On July 14, 2010, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with British Foreign Secretary William Hague in Beijing, exchanging views on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues.
Yang extended welcome to Hague, who is on his first visit to China since taking office as the British Foreign Secretary. Yang said since the new British government took office, the two countries have maintained frequent and close high-level contacts, which is a good beginning for China-UK relations in the new era. China is ready to work closely with Britain to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and jointly push China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership for new progress. He urged both sides to look at mutual relations from a strategic perspective, make best use of dialogue mechanisms and build up political trust. He also suggested both sides boost pragmatic cooperation in all areas and enhance the technological content of trade and economic cooperation. He called on both sides to properly handle differences based on mutual respect, accommodate each other's core concerns and consolidate the foundation of public support for bilateral relations.
Yang said China is ready to work with the EU side to enhance pragmatic cooperation in all areas and continuously deepen China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.
Hague said the new British government is ready to develop an unprecedented sound relationship with China. It will maintain the continuity and consistency of the policies and further push forward bilateral strategic partnership based on the China policies of previous governments. On the issues concerning Taiwan and Tibet, Hague said that the new British government adheres to the policy of the previous government and has recognized Tibet is part of the Chinese territory. He urged both sides to properly handle differences through dialogue and enhance communication and oppose protectionism on global issues. He also called on both sides to expand cooperation on economy, trade, education, culture and sports for common interests and establish a cooperative partnership for economic growth. The British side is ready to continue making efforts in advancing EU-China relations.
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