China expects new UK gov't to carry on good China-UK ties

China on Tuesday pledged to work with the new UK government for a stronger strategic partnership.

"We expect the new UK government to take a strategic and long-term view of bilateral relations. We will work closely with the UK side to deepen substantive cooperation and boost the steady and sound growth of the China-UK strategic partnership," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular briefing Tuesday.

Jiang's comments came in response to a question regarding the prospects for China-UK relations after Britain's recent general election in which the main opposition party, the Conservative Party, won 307 seats, defeating the ruling Labour party which won 258.

Both parties need the support of the Liberal Democrats, who received 6.8 million votes and 57 seats, to form a government.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced Monday that he would step aside by Labour's annual conference in September.

"We appreciate Prime Minister Brown's efforts to boost ties with China," Jiang said.

Jiang stressed the China-UK strategic partnership has deepened in recent years thanks to joint efforts.

Jiang said China values its ties with Britain and hopes the good momentum of bilateral relations will continue.

As the international situation undergoes profound changes, stronger China-UK cooperation will serve the interests of both countries and peoples, and help achieve regional peace, stability and prosperity, Jiang added.

Source:Xinhua

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