The 48 Group Club Chairman Stephen Perry and Chinese Ambassador to Britain Fu Ying pose for a photo during the celebration marking the one-year anniversary of the "Young Icebreakers", in London, capital of Britain, May 26, 2009. The "Young Icebreakers" is an organization under the 48 Group Club to enable the young people of China and Britain to work together in creating a long-term future for the sustainable development of positive bilateral relations. [Photo: Xinhua]

The 48 Group Club is an independent business network committed to promoting positive relations with China. The origins of the club stem from the early 1950s, when the founding 'Icebreakers' were the first Westerners to establish mutually beneficial trade relations with the newly formed People's Republic of China. With over 300 members, including business and political leaders, the Club now runs an extensive program of networking events.

Voices from Other Lands talked to Stephen Perry, the Chairman of the 48 Group Club, about his experience in the past 30 more years trading between China and Britain, and about his vision of promoting trade and exchange to maintain peace between countries. The conversation begins with his memories of life in China back in 1972.

Stephen Perry said he is fond of reading history and politics. Business for him is just a way to make a living. For his whole life he has been devoted to the work of improving the understanding between the countries. Admitting there are still misunderstandings about China, Perry said things are changing as the Beijing Olympics is a wonderful start for the world to know an improving and better China.