China, UK call for closer ties to boost global stability

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for closer cooperation between China and the United Kingdom to bring more stability and certainty to a world increasingly marked by turbulence.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remark during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Thursday.

Wang noted that the world is undergoing rapid changes, with historical shifts unfolding at an accelerating pace. Both China and the UK are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and it is critical for the two nations to strengthen strategic communication and mutual understanding to demonstrate the responsibility of major powers.

Wang called for greater collaboration in areas vital to the future of humanity, including climate change, artificial intelligence and green development, with the goal of contributing to global stability.

Highlighting the positive momentum in Sino-British relations, Wang underscored the significant potential for practical cooperation between the two countries and affirmed that the UK’s Labour government is pursuing a rational and pragmatic policy towards China, in alignment with both national interests and global trends.

He added that China is committed to working with the UK to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, stabilizing and enhancing the positive development of bilateral relations. He further emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in infrastructure, trade and investment, and clean energy sectors to benefit both nations and their peoples.

For his part, Starmer stressed the importance of continuing to advance pragmatic cooperation across various fields, ensuring that China-UK relations continue to develop in a stable and constructive manner.

During Wang’s visit to the UK, he also met with Jonathan Powell, the British prime minister’s national security advisor, to discuss strategic security and other issues of mutual concern. Wang also held the 10th round of China-UK Strategic Dialogue with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, reaffirming the importance of ongoing dialogue between the two nations.