China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with British Prime Minister's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell in Beijing on March 23, 2026, to discuss pressing global issues and bilateral cooperation. The talks focused on managing regional conflicts and advancing a comprehensive strategic partnership following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to China earlier this year.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that Starmer's January 2026 visit established strong momentum for cross-sector collaboration. "Building a long-term, consistent partnership aligns with our era's demands and public aspirations," Wang stated, highlighting opportunities for conflict resolution through sustained dialogue.
The discussions addressed escalating tensions in Iran and ongoing efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis. Wang reiterated China's commitment to political solutions, warning against actions that could exacerbate conflicts: "All parties must prioritize dialogue over confrontation and address root causes through negotiation."
Powell affirmed the UK's readiness to deepen cooperation, stating Britain would "work with China to develop strategic stability." Both sides agreed to implement leadership agreements through multi-level exchanges and practical collaboration frameworks.
