China and UK to deepen cooperation on radio, film and TV

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong delievers a speech during an opening ceremony in London launching the broadcast of a series Chinese programs in the UK on September 20, 2015. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong says that China and UK will further deepen cooperation in the field of radio, film and television, so as to enhance the mutual acknowledgement and friendship between the two peoples.

Liu Yandong, who has just finished her official visit to UK, made the remarks while attending an opening ceremony in London launching the broadcast of a series Chinese programs in the UK.

She says radio, film and TV are important carriers for developing mass culture, and many old, classic UK films have impressed Chinese people of her generation.

"Some old films including Twelfth Night, as well as A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Prince and the Pauper, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, I could give a list of examples. After those, there are famous works such as the James Bond film series, Mr. Bean, and also the recent Sherlock, Shaun the Sheep, Paddington Bear, Downtown Abbey as well as Octonauts. Those films are household names in China now."

UK Minister for Culture Communications and Sport Ed Vaizey gives his thoughts on the agreement.

"Our ability to raise finance, a light regulation environment, good education and skills, protection of intellectual property rights, and the tax incentives. All of these combined enable creative people and businesses to thrive in the UK."

A number of famous Chinese films including 'Dearest' and 'The Great Hypnotist' will be broadcast on Propeller TV in the UK.