President hails UK business leaders' icebreaking trip

Noting that this year marks the 40th anniversary of reform and openup, Xi said that China's economic development achieved great progress over the past four decades, which has made the country more determined to open up.

China proposes that countries should enhance communication and boost understanding in global affairs to avoid misunderstandings, Xi said, adding that China will not seek hegemony.

Perry said that the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, completed a year ago, has drawn a blueprint for the country's development in the future.

Perry spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative and the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind, saying that he would like to promote China-UK cooperation under the BRI framework.

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