'Golden era' links boosted at China-UK dialogue

Chinese and British leaders reaffirmed their keen willingness to strengthen the two countries' "golden era" of relations at the 8th China UK Strategic Dialogue in London on Tuesday.

The annual dialogue, led by China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, follows the September meeting between President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Theresa May at the G20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou.

Both sides agreed to implement the two countries' leaders' agreement to increase strategic communication, improve political trust, deepen win-win collaboration and push forward China-UK ties under the current new landscape for development, and together work for global peace, development and stability.

After the dialogue, Yang met British Prime Minister Theresa May, Prince Andrew and British Chancellor Philip Hammond.

In his meeting with May, Yang affirmed China’s willingness to strengthen high level exchanges with the UK, maintain the current system of bilateral dialogue, and deepen collaboration across sectors including nuclear, high speed rail, financial services and innovation.

Yang added the two countries can develop a more solid comprehensive strategic partnership in the 21st century by increasing communication and coordination in important international and regional issues, together work towards creating an open and inclusive global economy, and tackle global challenges such as climate change.

May said the UK sees China as an important strategic partner and the two countries’ win-win partnership has great future potential. The UK anticipates maintaining close exchanges with China at high levels, strengthen bilateral collaboration across all sectors, together contribute towards free trade and do more joint work to tackle global challenges such as climate change.

Yang suggested at the dialogue the two countries should take advantage of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations, to strengthen exchanges at different levels, so to achieve fruitful results in investment, trade, financial services, innovation, infrastructure development and other fields.

Yang added the two sides should increase cultural exchange and collaboration, and become strategic partners with a shared vision, mutual respect, trust, and learn from each other, to achieve common growth and development.

Johnson said the UK government should stay firm in developing its strategic partnership with China, so to boost the China-UK “golden era” of relations.

Johnson said the UK is willing to increase strategic communication with China, to strengthen collaboration in sectors including trade, investment, aviation, infrastructure development. The two countries should join to respond to significant international challenges and strengthen coordination on important globally issues.

The two sides also exchanged views on international relations and regional issues of common concern, and released a statement on issues related to Afghanistan.