Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on China and Britain to respect and trust each other, transcend their differences, seek common ground while reserving differences, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
Xi made the remarks on Tuesday during a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Congratulating Burnham on assuming office as British prime minister, Xi said China and Britain are comprehensive strategic partners with more common interests than differences, despite their different social systems and national conditions.
He said both governments are committed to developing their economies and improving the well-being of their people, adding that the two countries can complement each other’s strengths and support one another.
Xi said that during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, covering 2026 to 2030, the country will further expand opening up in areas including education, healthcare and finance, creating significant opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
He noted that China and Britain are major countries in science and technology and possess rich resources in education, culture, sports and other fields. He called on both sides to maintain an open and forward-looking approach while strengthening exchanges and cooperation across various sectors.
Xi also expressed hope that Britain would fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors.
Noting that China and Britain are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major global economies, Xi said both countries support multilateralism and open trade while upholding the central role of the United Nations.
He called on the two sides to strengthen communication and coordination within international frameworks, including the United Nations, the Group of 20 and the World Trade Organization, and to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
In response, Burnham recalled his long-standing ties with China dating back to his time as mayor of Greater Manchester.
He said Xi’s visit to Manchester during his 2015 state visit to Britain had a significant impact on the city’s relations with China.
Burnham said Britain would maintain consistency in its China policy and remain committed to building a long-term and stable strategic partnership with China.
He added that Britain is ready to pursue high-level engagement with China, advance cooperation in various areas, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and elevate bilateral relations to stronger levels for the benefit of both countries.
On the Taiwan question, Burnham said Britain’s position remains unchanged.
Against the backdrop of a volatile and complex international environment, Burnham said China and Britain, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should work together to address international hotspot issues through dialogue, tackle climate change and other global challenges, and safeguard global stability and prosperity.
Burnham also commended China for its response to the mudslide on its border with Nepal and thanked the Chinese government for assisting British nationals affected by the disaster.