Exclusive: China calls for new era of UK friendship and revival of wartime ‘special bond’

China’s top diplomat in Britain has called for a reset in relations between London and Beijing, urging both nations to revive the “special bond” they forged as wartime allies in the fight against fascism, The European can reveal

Ambassador Zheng Zeguang said Britain and China had stood “shoulder to shoulder” during WW2, making “huge sacrifices” in a shared struggle against Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan and other Axis powers.

He said both countries should “cherish this memory” and “carry forward the friendship” as the basis for a renewed spirit of cooperation.

Zheng also warned that the post-war global order was under pressure, and said both governments must work together to “safeguard the outcome of the victory of WWII” and protect the United Nations system.

While he acknowledged that Britain and China have different political systems, histories and worldviews, now was the time to put those differences aside and not let them stand in the way of progress, he added.

Instead, he pointed to the wartime alliance — exemplified by Chinese civilians risking their lives to rescue British POWs from the torpedoed Lisbon Maru — as a blueprint for increased dialogue and stronger ties.

Zheng, Beijing’s top man in Britain and Xi Jinping’s voice in London, is China’s most senior official in the UK.

His comments come at a time of strain in UK–China relations, with ongoing concerns over trade and Beijing’s ties with Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine.

The speech appeared to strongly signal an olive branch — a sign that Beijing is seeking to improve the relationship and open the door to a much deeper working partnership with the UK.

Speaking at the launch of the China Film Festival in central London last Thursday, Zheng addressed audiences before a screening of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru — a wartime drama based on the true story of a Japanese ship transporting British prisoners of war, which was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine off the coast of Zhoushan in 1942.

Hundreds of British survivors were rescued by Chinese fishermen.

A new memorial commemorating the rescue was unveiled earlier this month in Zhoushan, a coastal city in Zhejiang province in eastern China.

Earlier this month, the UK government formally recognised the incident, with MPs paying tribute to the bravery of the Chinese who helped save British lives and describing the event as a powerful example of wartime solidarity.

Zheng said the Lisbon Maru story still carried a message for the present, and that it should help shape the future of UK–China diplomacy.

He said: “This year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

“Looking back at those tumultuous years, the Chinese and British peoples fought shoulder to shoulder against fascist aggressors, made huge sacrifices, and contributed greatly to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

“The Lisbon Maru incident was a true story that happened 83 years ago in 1942, at the height of the Second World War. The heroic act of Chinese fishermen risking their lives to rescue British POWs was a powerful testimony of the special bond forged between our two peoples during the war.

“I am delighted to note that a memorial for Lisbon Maru Rescue has been unveiled a few days ago in Zhoushan, China and the UK Parliament rendered its recognition on 15 May.

“In today’s turbulent world, it is all the more important for us to cherish this memory, carry forward the friendship, safeguard the outcome of the victory of WWII, preserve the UN-centred international system, and work for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the world.”

Zheng also spoke of the role of culture in overcoming political divides, saying film and the arts could “eliminate misperception” and bring people closer together.

“We in the Chinese Embassy will continue to work closely with the China Film Administration and other Chinese and British cultural institutions, to organise more events like this.

“We hope you will continue to actively participate, and make contributions to deepening the understanding, friendship and collaboration between China and the UK.”

The China Film Festival, co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the China Film Administration, began last week and continues this week with screenings across London.

Photos: Supplied