By Gu Jianjun, post doctorate of Central Compilation and Translation Bureau

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Oct.20 delivered a speech in the Royal Gallery Hall of the Palace of Westminster, which was the first time for a Chinese leader to do so. The Royal Galley can only be used on important occasions, which highlights the significance of his appearance.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Oct.20 delivered a speech in the Royal Gallery Hall of the Palace of Westminster.

Xi spoke about the history and current situation of China-UK ties, expounded China's economic, social development and foreign policies, while pinning hopes on building a "community of shared interests" with Britain.

Multiple records of China-UK ties

Xi said the China and UK are great countries that have made outstanding contributions to human civilization.

They have led the way in a number of areas in terms of bilateral relations, said Xi, labeling Britain as the first major Western country to recognize the newborn People's Republic of China (PRC) and the first European Union (EU) member to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with Beijing.

Moreover, London is a leading offshore RMB trading center after Hong Kong. It is also the first Western country to issue RMB sovereign bonds and the first major Western country to apply for full membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

2015 is the Chinese-British culture exchange year. Nearly 150,000 Chinese students study in the UK. In addition, 27 Confucius Institutes have been opened in the UK, which tops other European countries.

UK: China's staunch supporter in the West

Xi spoke highly of the UK's active role towards cooperation with Beijing and he hopes they will continue to play a leading role in boosting relations between China and Western countries.

Their comprehensive strategic partnership has entered the fast lane. In 2014, bilateral trade volume reached 80.87 billion US dollars, year-on-year growth of 15.3 percent. In the first half of 2015, bilateral trade volume stood at 36.74 billion US dollars.

China has become the fourth largest trade partner of the UK, and the UK is the second largest trade partner of China in European Union, the largest investment country and the largest offshore trading center of RMB except for the Hong Kong SAR. Obviously, the UK has become China’s staunch supporter and the best partner in the West.

Build a community of shared interests

For the past decade, China and the UK have built a comprehensive strategic partnership; the political mutual trust has been strengthened; and economic and trade cooperation has been expanded. It is fair to say that China and Britain are increasingly interdependent and becoming a community of shared interests.

Xi pointed out that this was an era, which favors peace and development. It is the exact time for our two countries to join hands and move forward to build a comprehensive strategic partnership.

China is outlining the Thirteenth Five Year Plan, and London has projected a "North economy growth zone" strategy to upgrade its infrastructure. Both development strategies can be enriched through cooperation.

China has paid much attention to the status of the UK in the EU (European Union) and believes London can promote the feasibility research on a Free Trade Agreement for China and the EU.

Xi's speech has contributed much to deepen political mutual trust and enhance friendship of the two sides, initiating an enduring, open and win-win "golden era" for a comprehensive strategic partnership.