China, Britain maintain definite direction of bilateral ties: Vice Premier

The world has more confidence in China-Britain relations as the two countries have maintained a definite direction against the background of more instability and uncertainty of global society, Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai said here Thursday.

Ma made the remarks when meeting with British Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, during his visit to Britain to attend the eighth China-Britain Economic and Financial Dialogue.

Ma recalled that during the prince's visit to China in April this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met him and both of them have unanimously pledged to strengthen the China-Britain all-round exchanges and cooperation to benefit the two countries and the two peoples.

He said the Chinese side appreciated Prince Andrew's positive proposals for further promotion of bilateral relations during his recent visit to China.

President Xi and British Prime Minister Theresa May met in Hangzhou in September this year, confirming the general direction of the "Golden Era" of bilateral relations, which give the world more confidence in China-Britain relations, he said.

Briefing the prince about the situation of the eighth China-Britain Economic and Financial Dialogue, the vice premier said he hoped Prince Andrew would continue support the development of the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries.

For his part, Prince Andrew said that with the successful visit of President Xi to Britain last October, the relations between the two countries have been strengthened.

He said Britain is a reliable partner of China and is willing to open its market to the Chinese side and further strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as innovation, technology, finance, capital and third-party markets.

The prince said he would like to play a role in promoting China-Britain relations and bilateral cooperation in various fields to make greater progress.

Ma traveled to Britain Tuesday to co-chair the eighth China-Britain Economic and Financial Dialogue with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond. He is also going to attend the fourth China-France High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue in France. Endit