Every Chinese person who is working or studying in the United Kingdom is a "bridge" and a "bond" between the people of China and those of Britain, and contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Zheng Zeguang, China's ambassador to the UK, said during an event on Wednesday.

Zheng also expressed his hope that Chinese people in the UK will leverage their advantages and self-development to benefit the long-term development and stability of China-UK relations.

"Overseas Chinese and Chinese students in the UK are the participants, builders, and beneficiaries of China-UK relations," the ambassador said. "I hope that everyone will carry forward the fine traditions of the Chinese nation, give full play to the advantages of connecting the East and the West, and serve as a bridge and bond between the two peoples."

The ambassador made the remarks to around 400 attendees at an online communication and exchange meeting with overseas Chinese in the UK.

"I hope that everyone will make good use of the advantages of integrating China and Britain, not only share the benefits brought by China's development, but also promote China-UK exchanges and cooperation through self-development, so as to promote the stability and long-term development of China-UK relations," Zheng added.

According to China's embassy in the UK, the total number of overseas Chinese in the UK is about 700,000, accounting for around 1 percent of the total population of Britain. In 2020, the total number of Chinese students studying in the UK was 216,000, making it the largest group of international students in higher education in the UK.

Zheng expressed his hope that all Chinese people around the world will "defend the dignity of the nation, contribute to the reunification of the motherland, and realize the national rejuvenation so as to create a better future for the Chinese nation."

"We are connected with each other and share the honor and disgrace," he said.

Zheng also expressed his deep condolences to the victims of the recent extreme heavy rainfall and floods in Central China's Henan province, where the death toll stood at 56 as of Friday.

"We firmly believe that, under the leadership and organization of the Communist Party of China and the government, the heroic Henan people will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland as soon as possible. We are here to send our blessings to them."

Chu Ting Tang, chairman of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, delivered a speech on behalf of overseas Chinese people in the UK, and extended a warm welcome to the ambassador and his wife upon their arrival in the UK.

He said overseas Chinese people living in the UK are extremely proud of China's development and growth, and that they will continue to serve as a bridge and link to help the healthy and stable development of China-UK relations.