Edmondson appreciates China's efforts in promoting cultural exchanges between China and Britain over the years, especially in terms of "continuing to connect with Shakespeare."

Recalling watching a Chinese opera version of Shakespeare's play Richard III in Shanghai and meeting Chinese actors who came to Stratford a few years ago to perform parts of The Peony Pavilion, Edmondson said, "It was very thrilling to hear the Chinese language and to see how Tang's play was being performed."