Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met in Beijing on Tuesday for the 11th China-UK Strategic Dialogue. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and developing a long-term, stable, and comprehensive strategic partnership.
Wang Yi stated that the consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China this year has set a new course for bilateral relations.
He noted that exchanges and cooperation have been resumed in a number of areas, and that bilateral relations are gradually returning to normal. He emphasized the need to strengthen high-level contacts and strive for concrete results in cooperation.
Wang Yi also pointed out that China's more than four decades of experience with reform and opening up to the world demonstrates that openness brings progress, while isolation leads to stagnation. He added that China's 15th five-year plan creates new opportunities for the entire world and, in many respects, complements Britain's modern industrial strategy.
At the same time, he expressed hope that the United Kingdom will ensure a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies and will define national security issues within reasonable limits.
The Chinese Foreign Minister also outlined Beijing's positions on issues related to Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Yvette Cooper stated that the commitment to building a long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership is in the interests of both countries.
She said that the United Kingdom is ready to strengthen high-level contacts and expand cooperation with China in areas such as trade, finance, energy, artificial intelligence, and the fight against climate change.
Cooper also emphasized that the British policy on the issue of Taiwan remains unchanged since the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, and will not change in the future. She added that London is ready to address mutual differences through open dialogue and to promote the stable development of bilateral relations.
During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on the situation in Iran, Ukraine, and other international and regional issues.