On January 31, 2009, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met with Chairman of 48 Group Club Stephen Perry and representatives of “Young Icebreakers” in the hotel where he stayed in London.

The Club’s history goes back to 1954 when a group of British businessmen from 48 companies broke through the embargo against China and engaged in trade with the country. They later became known as the “Icebreakers”. Over the past more than 50 years, they are committed to promoting the friendly cooperation with China. The 48 Group Club launched the “Young Icebreakers” last year to attack talented British youth from all sectors in order to increase their understanding and cooperation with China.

Wen fully recognized the historic contributions of the old generation of “Icebreakers” represented by Perry. He said that the “Icebreakers” boast political insight and spirit of pioneers and solidarity. Without the foundation laid down by them, it would impossible for China-Britain trade and economic cooperation to achieve so fruitful results. The Chinese people will never forget our old friends. Youth represent hope of a country and a nation, and the future of China-Britain cooperation depends on them. The further progress of China-Britain relations needs a large number of new “Icebreakers”. The “Young Icebreaker” demonstrates the spirit of forging long-term positive cooperation with China and a power of pushing forward the all-round strategic partnership between China and Britain. Against the background of globalization, the “Young Icebreakers” should carry forward the spirit of the old generation, boost China-Britain relations from a strategic height, build confidence in the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, promote dialogue among civilizations and try to advance the harmonious and sustainable development of the world.

Perry said that the spirit of the “Icebreakers” remain unchanged although the times has changed. China has achieved remarkable development over the past half century. It is the common aspiration of the British society to reinforce the friendly exchanges and cooperation with China. The formation of “Young Icebreakers” aims at encouraging more young British committed to promoting friendship with China to carry forward the spirit of “Icebreakers”, enhance understanding of China and build a better future for China-Britain relations with the wisdom, energy and creativity of youth.

The “Young Icebreakers” present at the meeting expressed their opinions on strengthening the bilateral exchanges and cooperation from their own perspectives. Wen held lively and happy talks with them.