Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Meets with UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Beijing
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday in Beijing. The meeting marks a new chapter in China-UK relations, with both nations expressing a desire to strengthen cooperation and address global challenges together.
Wang Yi highlighted the importance of China and the UK as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major global economies. He emphasized that both countries should act as guardians of the international order centered on the United Nations and collaborate in tackling global issues and pursuing national development.
“China is willing to work with the UK to uphold mutual understanding and respect, maintain openness and cooperation, deepen strategic communication, and promote practical cooperation,” Wang said. “We aim to advance China-UK relations into a new stage of stable development.”
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China-UK relations have evolved over time and now stand at a new starting point. He recognized the UK’s Labor government’s proposal to develop a long-term, stable, and strategically significant relationship with China, viewing it positively. “This approach aligns with the historical logic and current needs of our countries’ relations, serves the fundamental interests of both peoples, and fits the trends of history and the broader international landscape,” he added.
Addressing sensitive issues, Wang Yi reiterated that matters related to Taiwan and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are China’s internal affairs, and non-interference is a fundamental principle of international relations.
He expressed China’s willingness to fully restore dialogue and cooperation mechanisms with the UK across various fields. “We are ready to actively engage in mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as trade, finance, green development, science and technology, health, education, and cultural exchanges,” Wang said.
Foreign Secretary Lammy affirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with China. “We aim to engage with China in a coherent and mutually respectful manner that aligns with the long-term interests of both sides while effectively managing differences,” Lammy stated.
Lammy emphasized that the UK adheres to the commitments made at the time of establishing diplomatic relations regarding the Taiwan issue and will continue to uphold this position in the long term. He also noted the extensive common interests shared by the UK and China, asserting that there should be no “iron curtain” between the two countries. “We look forward to enhancing high-level exchanges and dialogue with China at all levels,” he added.
During the talks, both sides exchanged views on international and regional matters, including the Ukraine crisis, the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the situation in Myanmar, underscoring their roles in addressing global challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
