UK-China Trade: ‘Icebreakers’ New Year Gala Signals Warming Relations

“Icebreaking Spirit” Vital for UK-China Relations, Diplomats and Business Leaders Say

February 7, 2026 – A Chinese New Year gathering in London this week, hosted by the 48 Group, has been highlighted as a key indicator of the current state of UK-China economic and trade relations. Attendees, representing a broad spectrum of the business and governmental sectors in both countries, emphasized the importance of maintaining a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding.

The annual “Icebreakers” Chinese New Year Dinner, held on Friday, brought together leaders from government, business, and diplomatic communities to celebrate the Lunar New Year and acknowledge the historical significance of early UK-China engagement. The event commemorates the 1954 journey of 48 British businessmen – dubbed “The Icebreakers” – who initiated trade ties with China, defying a Western trade embargo.

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng extended his congratulations on the dinner’s success, affirming strengthened UK-China ties and urging continued collaboration. He called for a reinvigorated “ice-breaking” spirit to advance bilateral cooperation, specifically mentioning potential expansion in trade and investment, green transition initiatives, financial services, and scientific and technological innovation. He urged both sides to translate this potential into tangible outcomes that would benefit the long-term relationship between China and the United Kingdom.

The sentiment was echoed by China’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Zheng Zeguang, who has repeatedly stressed the need for this “icebreaking spirit” in navigating the evolving dynamics of the relationship. Speaking at the dinner, Ambassador Zheng highlighted the importance of drawing inspiration from the original “Icebreakers” in the current global climate.

In January 2025, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang read a congratulatory message from Vice President Han Zheng at the “Icebreakers” Chinese New Year celebration. Vice President Han Zheng expressed hope that individuals from all sectors in China and the UK would continue to uphold the “icebreaking spirit” – characterized by courage and forward-looking wisdom – to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

The 48 Group, the organization central to these gatherings, was founded in 1954 following the pioneering trade delegation. It continues to play a crucial role in fostering practical exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations. The dinner was hosted in partnership with the China-Britain Business Council and the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

According to Ambassador Zheng, China-UK relations have become “even more important both for the two countries and the world at large,” particularly in a period of global change and turbulence. He stated that the “icebreaking spirit” is needed now more than ever.

The event also served as an opportunity to acknowledge the recent strategic consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on forging a long-term, stable, and comprehensive partnership. This agreement provides a foundation for continued dialogue and collaboration between the two countries.

Nearly 500 guests from the political, business, and academic sectors of both China and the United Kingdom attended the January 22, 2025 celebration, demonstrating the broad interest in maintaining and strengthening ties between the two nations.