On the evening of 27th September, The Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Edinburgh Li Ruiyou hosted a reception to celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. Over 150 guests, including Ms. Tricia Marwick MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Mr. Humza Yousaf MSP, Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Mr. Mark Buchan Steele, Chief of Staff of Royal Navy Headquarters HMS Caledonia, Rt. Hon. Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Mr. Donald Wilson, Councilors from local city councils, representatives from the circles of economy, education, culture, etc. and members of the Consular Corps in Edinburgh and Leith attended the reception.

In his remarks at the reception, the Consul General briefed the audience on China's recent economic and social development as well as the achievements of China-Scotland exchanges and cooperation. He said the two sides have carried out a series of rewarding exchanges and cooperation in extensive areas including food and beverage, chemical and related products, machinery and transport equipments, telecommunications, science and technology, infrastructure and financial services. He pointed out that as the world second largest economy, China's open door policy have contributed considerably to the growth of the world economy. China will continue fostering an open market for fair competition and mutually beneficial cooperation. He also briefed the guests on the solemn position China holds on the issue of Diaoyu Dao, and pointed out tha Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have been an inherent part of Chinese territory since ancient times, based on historical and legal evidences. There was an understanding and consensus, reached between the older -generation leaders of the two countries. Unfortunately, the Japanese side openly took the illegal actions of "nationalizing" Diaoyu Dao recently in defiance of historical and legal evidences. These acts constitute a gross violation of China's territory. China needs a stable neighboring environment while aiming to modernization. It holds firm principles and seeks a solution to the dispute by political and diplomatic means. However, Historical verdict can never be overturned; and consensus must not be rejected. China will never step back on issues concerning the territorial and sovereign integrity.

Presiding Officer Marwick extended, on behalf the Scottish Parliament, the best wishes to China and Chinese people on the occasion of National Day. She commented positively on the growing friendship and economic and cultural ties between China and Scotland. She said the Scottish Parliament is determined to work with the Chinese Consulate in order to bring those ties to a new level.

Minister Yousaf extended warm congratulations on China's National Day on behalf of the First Minister. He said in 2012, Scotland's links with China are broader and deeper than ever before, across many areas such as education, cultural exchanges, tourism, sport, trade and investment. The third visit by First Minister to China at the end of last year has advanced various opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. The Scottish Government attached high importance to its relations with China and is committed to bringing this relationship to a new stage of development.

Lord Provost Wilson highly commanded the rapid development of Scotland-China relationship in recent years. He said, as the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh can add to this impressive relationship in multiple ways. He thanked the Consulate for its efforts in building up the strong friendship between Scotland and China and wished the ties continue to flourish.

A Scottish band led by Mr. Eddie McGuire presented both Chinese and English songs for the reception, including "Today Is Your Birthday, My Motherland", "Bonnie Pandas, Welcome Here". A Chinese Scottish teenager presented a song "Make You Feel My Love".