President Jiang Advocates Enhanced Sino-Britain Ties

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, July 16, 2002

President Jiang Advocates Enhanced Sino-Britain Ties

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Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Monday that China and Britain should handle their relations from a long and strategic point of view, and make joint efforts to build an all-round development of partnership.

During his meeting with visiting British Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jack Straw, Jiang said that China has always treated its relations with Britain from a strategic viewpoint. He said as two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Britain should increase dialog and cooperation to maintain international and regional peace and stability.

China and Britain celebrated their 30th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations this year. Jiang said the Sino-British relations have improved and developed in an all-round way following the smooth settlement of the issue of Hong Kong.

The current China-Britain relations are better than at any time in history in terms of both breadth and depth and China is satisfied with this, Jiang said.

Straw is scheduled to sign a memo with the Chinese side on the setting up of a cultural center in either country Tuesday. Jiang said he hopes relevant departments from both countries will make great efforts to implement the memo and bring its role into full play as soon as possible.

Straw said since Jiang's last state visit to Britain, bilateral relations have developed greatly. He said the British side hopes to step up cooperation with China in various fields.

The British secretary said the British people are now more interested in learning about China. To this end, the British government will make efforts to further increase their knowledge as a way of increasing friendship with China.

Vice-Premier Meets British FM

Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen said Monday that as long as parties involved in regional conflicts exercise restraint and avoid escalation of the conflict, the situation will be brought under control.

Qian said this during a meeting with visiting British Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jack Straw.

Qian said as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and as influential countries, China and Britain shoulder major responsibility in world affairs.

Terrorism has brought a big challenge to the world since the Sept. 11 incident, and all major powers are likeminded on the issue of terrorism, Qian said.

The world's major powers enjoy good relations, he added, making world peace attainable and war avoidable.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic ties between China and Britain and the fifth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. The past five years have proved that the policies of "one country, two systems" and "the governing of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people" are correct.

Straw said he agrees with Qian's comment on international and regional situations and appreciates China's active role in world affairs.

Straw said Britain and China should increase consultation and cooperation on the international and regional issues.

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