New British gov't seeks stronger relations with China
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British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Wednesday Britain hopes to further its relationship with China, as he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Beijing.
Hague is on his first visit to China since the new British government, a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, took office after a general election in May.
The new British government stands ready to develop its relationship with China by continuing the policies of previous governments, Hague said.
The previous British government made a great contribution to Britain's relationship with China, Hague told reporters.
Hague promised to boost the bilateral partnership with increased trade and political cooperation.
The new British government would take the bilateral strategic partnership to a new level, Hague said.
Hague also said Britain recognized that Tibet and Taiwan were inalienable parts of the Chinese territory.
China and the new British government had established a sound relationship, which served a new starting point for the two sides to promote ties, Yang told reporters.
Yang also extended an invitation to British Prime Minister David Cameron to visit China later this year, saying the two countries agreed to maintain and promote bilateral high-level contacts.
He said during the talks with Hague, they took a long time to discuss international and regional issues, and China attached great importance to enhancing communication with Britain on such issues.
The two countries maintained close coordination and communication on issues such as development in African countries, tackling global economic downturn and climate change, and the Iranian nuclear issue.
China and Britain were strategic partners at the bilateral, regional and global level, and the two countries' differences were greatly transcended by their common interests, Yang said.
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