On 26 May, Ambassador Liu Xiaoming had a telephone conversation with Gordon Brown, former Prime Minster and United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, and exchanged views with him on China-UK relationship and international cooperation on containing COVID-19.

Ambassador Liu said, the British government and people from all walks of life gave their valuable support when China was fighting its toughest battle with COVID-19, and China reciprocated such kindness at the UK’s most critical moment in the battle against the virus. At present, China and the UK have good cooperation on tackling COVID-19. Within a matter of one month, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Boris Johnson had two telephone conversations, which demonstrated the firm determination of the two countries to join hand in fighting the pandemic and overcome the difficulties. Heads of relevant departments of the two countries have also maintained close communication through telephone and correspondence, actively implementing the consensus between the two leaders and promoting bilateral and international cooperation in face of the pandemic. He expressed confidence that, once the pandemic is under control, China-UK relationship will be stronger and China-UK cooperation will be broader.

Ambassador Liu noted that the Labour Party had made important contribution to the development of China-UK relations. China appreciates that it was during the Labour Party’s administration that saw the UK become the first major western countries to recognize New China; oversaw the successful handover of Hong Kong and established comprehensive partnership and comprehensive strategic partnership with China. China is ready to work closely with British people from all walks of life, including the Labour Party, to strengthen mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and build a healthy and sustainable relationship between the two counties, he said.

Brown spoke highly of China’s significant contribution to the global response to COVID-19, saying that it is a top priority to step up international cooperation to fight the virus. He hoped that China would play a bigger role in global public health and international economic and financial collaboration. He was convinced that the cooperation on fighting COVID-19 would strengthen China-UK relationship, broaden the practical cooperation between the two sides and promote the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.