China, Britain hold strategic dialogue in London

LONDON, Feb. 28 -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Friday met with British Foreign Secretary William Hague in London in a formal strategic dialogue between the two countries.

The history of China-Britain relations has proven that political trust constitutes the cornerstone and prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral cooperation and exchanges, Yang said.

In the face of a complex, volatile international situation and various uncertainties in global economic recovery, China and Britain should promote mutual trust and cooperation to a higher level on the basis of mutual respect, thus making new contributions to China-Europe relations and world peace and prosperity, he said.

The Chinese State Councilor said China is willing to conduct high-level dialogues and exchanges at all levels with Britain, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance communication on China-Europe relations, and bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides should intensify cooperation in international affairs and jointly safeguard the post-WWII international order, thus contributing to world peace and development, Yang said.

For his part, Hague said China has made great progress in its development and played a significant role in world peace, stability and development.

Britain and China have a lot to offer to each other, and the two countries' joint efforts have brought about deepening bilateral relations and effective cooperation in various fields, he said.

Hague said Britain hopes to further the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, adding that his country would like to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication with China, and expand pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.

Britain also looks to increase coordination and collaboration with China in the UN and G20 mechanisms, thus making joint efforts to resolve global and regional hot-spot issues, he said.

The two leaders also exchanged views on issues of climate change, African development, Syria, Iran nuclear issue, nuclear issue on the Korean peninsular, and the situation in South Sudan.

This year marks the 10th founding anniversary of China-Britain comprehensive strategic partnership.