Dawn of a new era

Song Xinning, professor at Renmin University of China in Beijing and an expert on European studies, notes: "The exchanges between China and Britain were once underestimated to some degree in both economic and cultural aspects.

"The economic and trade exchanges between the two countries have continued to develop even though both economies are seeing their growth slow."

While addressing the closing ceremony of a China-Britain business summit on Oct 21, Xi told business leaders that China's economy will keep operating within "a proper range" and there will be no "hard landing".

"We have both the foundation and condition to maintain a medium to high speed in economic growth," the president said, citing the huge potential in the country's consumption and market.

"China's economy still maintains a strong momentum and will release greater development potential," he added.

Officials and experts also voiced hopes of a potential boost from the state visit to China's relationship with the European Union.

Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Chao said on Oct 13 that the visit "will surely lay a more solid foundation for China-EU relations".

Cameron said on Oct 21 that his country welcomes Chinese investment and supports China in reaching a free trade agreement with the European Union.

Zhao Huaipu, a professor of European studies at China Foreign Affairs University, notes that Britain is an important member state of the European Union, adding, "The perfect condition of the China-Britain relationship will serve as role model when other EU members are developing their relationships with China."

Xinhua News Agency contributed to this story.