China will always be a staunch force for peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific region, China's Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang said in a keynote speech at a report launch event in London on Tuesday.

The event, which was hosted by the London-based independent think tank Asia House, featured the release of the organization's annual outlook report, which examines the prospect for Asia's key economies during 2024, a year that promises to be a turbulent one. The event also included the insights of invited industry leaders who shared their thoughts on the growth of Asia.

In his speech, the ambassador stressed that China continued to be a "key engine" for the world economy in 2023, with GDP expanding by 5.2 percent.

And the long-term trajectory of China's development remains positive in spite of some expected headwinds ahead, Zheng said, as the country enjoys strong political leadership, consistent major policies, a supersized domestic market in terms of demand, a fully-fledged industrial system in terms of supply, abundant talent resources, and innovation prowess.

"Betting against China has never succeeded in the past, nor will it succeed in the future," he emphasized.

Zheng further highlighted that China is "firmly committed" to opening up and said the country will continue to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class economic environment to welcome businesses from all countries, including the UK, to expand cooperation.

In the Asia-Pacific region, China has been dedicated to major regional multilateral mechanisms, including the China-ASEAN (10+1) partnership, the ASEAN-China, Japan and Republic of Korea (10+3) cooperation, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation framework. And he said the nation is willing to deepen the dialogues and cooperation.

To build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, Zheng called on all parties to respect each other in core interest issues, uphold peace, champion openness to oppose economic decoupling, and embrace exchanges and mutual learning.

"The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interest," Zheng noted. "China will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But we will do whatever it takes to thwart any attempt for 'Taiwan independence' and any interference from external forces."

The ambassador also expressed hope that the UK, as a participant in Asia-Pacific affairs, can play a constructive role in promoting peace, stability and development in the region.

"We see great potential for China and the UK in working for peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific," he said. "The two countries should enhance understanding, avoid misjudgment, and increase trust through dialogue."

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