Chinese president's state visit to Britain to usher in "golden era" for China-UK relations: FM

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain will "raise the curtain" for a "golden era" in China-UK relations.

In a meeting with his British counterpart Philip Hammond, Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping would pay a state visit to Britain in October, which would become the most important event in China-UK relations this year and represent a milestone in bilateral ties.

The British side expected a "golden era" in the two nations' relations, and China was convinced that Xi's visit would "raise the curtain" for this "golden" period, Wang noted.

Wang said the primary goal of his current visit in London was to conduct strategic dialogues and political designing with the British side as part of the overall preparations for Xi's state visit, to make sure that the visit would yield fruitful results.

We hoped Xi's visit would not only review the past, but also look ahead to the future and make a long-term blueprint for China-UK cooperation; not only focus on bilateral ties, but also work on global causes to jointly promote world peace and development, Wang said.

Wang added that China-UK relations were becoming increasingly mature and stable, and both sides shared the important task of adding new momentum to their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Chinese side suggested that both nations work closely on international productivity, combine their respective economic strengths, and explore opportunities of economic cooperation with a third party.

Wang also proposed that the two nations deepen global financial cooperation, jointly accelerate the internationalization of renminbi (RMB), join hands in establishing and governing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and step up coordination in global financial governance.

China and Britain could also carry out cooperation on UN peacekeeping operations, post-2015 development agenda and climate change, and fulfill their obligations and responsibilities as permanent members of the UN Security Council, Wang suggested.

The two countries should continue to strengthen their collaboration in education, culture and tourism, and expand their cooperation in overseas fugitive hunt and anti-corruption drives, he said.

China appreciated Britain's positive and open stance in its cooperation with China, and hoped Britain would continue to lead the way among major Western countries in developing relations with China, he continued.

Hammond, on his part, said this year marked a significant year in UK-China relations, and the British side was looking forward to welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain.

He added that Britain had established a cross-departmental mechanism to work closely with the Chinese side in their overall preparations for the visit and ensure its success and far-reaching impact.

Hammond agreed with Wang on his vision for the development of bilateral ties, and the British side was willing to work with China to make a long and medium term plan for further cooperation.

Britain welcomed more Chinese investment in British infrastructure, civilian nuclear energy and other projects, the foreign secretary noted.

Strengthened cooperation between the two nations on global issues was conducive to the world peace, stability and economic development, and Britain was willing to play a stronger, leading role among western countries in their cooperation with China, he said.

The two officials also exchanged views on the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, UN reform agenda, the Korean Peninsula situation, the Iran nuclear issue, the Middle East, counter-terrorism and other international and regional issues.

Wang wrapped up a three-day official visit to Britain on Wednesday. Endit