Poverty elimination

China has lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty since the start of reform and opening-up 40 years ago and it has built the world's largest network of basic pension insurance system, covering more than 900 million people and a basic health insurance system covering 1.3 billion people, the ambassador said.

Most importantly, the average life expectancy in China has more than doubled from 35 to 77 in the past 70 years. "The Chinese nation has been unwavering in its original aspiration, namely the pursuit of happiness for the people and rejuvenation for the nation. This is the force that has been driving generations of Chinese forward in defiance of all hardships," Liu said.

No matter how strong China is, it will be committed to self-improvement but not bullying, firm in safeguarding its interests, but will never seek hegemony, and it will continue advocating exchanges, mutual learning between different civilizations, pursue peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and act in accordance with international law, he said.

On behalf of the UK government, Richard Moore, director general for political affairs at the UK Foreign Office, delivered British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's message of congratulations, in which the new leader said the Sino-UK relationship is "broad and deep and this relationship will continue to be important as the UK prepares to leave the EU. I want to be ambitious with greater trade and investment between our countries".

The reception also coincided with Beautiful China: Man, Nature and Harmony－a photographic exhibition showcasing China's picturesque landscape and The Development of Chinese Enterprises in the UK, a photo gallery of China's decadeslong deepening business relationship with the UK.

Ouyang Xueyan in London contributed to this story.