China and UK pledge enhanced ties, urge communication on global issues

China and Britain have committed to enhancing high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation, aiming to inject greater certainty into a turbulent global landscape. The pledge came after a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and visiting British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Wang Yi emphasized the need for continued communication and alignment of positions between the two nations. He called for anchoring their relationship to a long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership. "We need to … anchor ourselves to the positioning of a long-term and stable China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthen high-level exchanges, work to deliver more tangible and visible outcomes … and inject greater certainty into this turbulent and uncertain world," Wang stated, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout.

Cooper's three-day visit signifies a continued effort to thaw relations, following a significant trip by Keir Starmer, the leader of the British opposition, in January. That visit marked the first by a British prime minister to Beijing since 2018. During Starmer's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, both leaders expressed a commitment to bolstering dialogue and cooperation, with Xi calling for a "new chapter" in bilateral relations.

Wang also highlighted the crucial roles both China and Britain play as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. He urged Britain to champion multilateralism and collaborate on establishing a global governance system that is "more just and reasonable."

“

We need to … anchor ourselves to the positioning of a long-term and stable China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthen high-level exchanges, work to deliver more tangible and visible outcomes … and inject greater certainty into this turbulent and uncertain world.