[Editor's note] The Chinese Foreign Ministry recently announced that at the invitation of British Prime Minister David Cameron, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will go to Britain from June 16 to June 19 on an official visit to Britain to attend an annual meeting with his British counterpart David Cameron. During his stay in London, Premier Li Keqiang will meet with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. British media report that Britain has broken with official procedures in inviting Li Keqiang to meet with Queen Elizabeth II, which reflects the importance that Britain attaches to Sino-British relations.

Now let us review the Chinese leaders who have met with Elizabeth II. 

London, June 17, 2014

On June 17, 2014, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II received Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his wife Cheng Hong at Windsor Castle in southern England. Both sides held friendly and cordial dialogue.

Li first conveyed Chinese president’s Xi Jinping’s sincere greetings and best wishes to Elizabeth II. Thanks to the joint efforts of China and Britain, Li noted that bilateral relations are moving forward on the right track. Li said that China is willing to work with Britain to facilitate the healthier and faster development of bilateral ties in a bid to bring benefits to both peoples.

China and Britain are respective representatives of the oriental and western civilizations and China is ready to learn from Britain to encourage a good combination of traditional culture and modern civilization, so as to make a fresh contribution to the progress of mankind.

Lauding the long-term support from the Queen and other members of the royal family for the development of China-Britain ties, Li invited them to pay more frequent visits to China to play an active role in promoting the development of bilateral relations and strengthening the friendship between the two peoples.

Queen Elizabeth welcomed Li Keqiang's visit to Britain, and asked him to convey her cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping. She recalled her visit to China in 1986, saying the trip had left her with a deep impression. China has undergone great changes and Britain-China relations have achieved substantial progress since her China trip, the queen said, adding that her country has witnessed an increasing number of Chinese tourists and students. Enhancing exchanges between British and Chinese youths would help them broaden their vision, increase mutual understanding and cement their friendship, she said.