China, UK pledge firm support for multilateralism, free trade

Premier Li Keqiang said China is willing to work with the United Kingdom in boosting cooperation in key areas, such as the financial sector, and firmly safeguard the rules-based multilateralism and free trade.

Li made the comment when meeting with former British prime minister David Cameron on Tuesday in Beijing.

The premier said Cameron's endeavors as prime minister to promote bilateral relations and cooperation are appreciated and China would like to deepen cooperation with the UK in trade, economy and the financial sector, under the principles of mutual respect and equal treatment.

The UK and the European Union have just reached an agreement on Brexit negotiations. The UK and the EU are two vital partners for China, who would like to see both of them be peaceful, stable, prosperous and open, Li said. China will further healthy development of its relations with the UK and the EU, and safeguard multilateralism and free trade, he said.

Cameron said UK-China cooperation has been deepened with two-way investment and trade on a continuous rise. The UK will continue to firmly support the rules-based multilateralism and free trade, he said.