On April 7, 2023, a delegation of the UK National Committee on China (UKNCC) led by Ollie Shiell, founding director and chief executive of the organization, visited China Forum under the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) of Tsinghua University. The delegation met with Zhang Lirong, secretary general of China Forum and the China Forum team. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the current public opinion and on strengthening cooperation in international communication and people-to-people exchanges.

China and the West have been driven further apart due to multiple factors, making normal interaction extremely difficult and creating a misinterpretation of China in the West, said Ollie Shiell. It is in the interest of both sides to strengthen communication, he said, adding that he looks forward to fostering cooperation with China Forum and serving as a bridge between China and the West. Zhang Lirong noted that there is ample room for cooperation between China and the UK in climate, health, green energy, cultures and other specific areas; in addition, both sides should aim to create a better climate in public opinion for cooperation. China Forum is ready to forge ahead with UKNCC to enhance international communication, so that the world can better understand China and its perspectives.

The meeting also featured Guo Jia, project director, China Forum; Shi Yan, fellow, CISS; Wen Jing, director of international communication, China Forum; and Xu Xinyun, project officer, China Forum.