Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the United Kingdom to ensure a fair, equal, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies operating in the country, while also refraining from imposing security aspects on economic and trade matters.
These statements were made by Wang Yi during his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in Manila, Philippines, on Thursday. Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, emphasized that relations between China and the UK, as major powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, hold global significance beyond bilateral interaction.
China noted the new UK government's stated commitment to maintaining continuity and stability in its policy towards China. It expressed hope that the UK would adhere to the one-China principle and uphold the political foundation of bilateral relations. Wang Yi also expressed readiness for close cooperation with the new UK government through high-level meetings, strengthening mutual political trust, deepening practical engagement, and advancing comprehensive strategic partnership between the two states.
He stressed the necessity of joint efforts by China and the UK to overcome disagreements, maintain multilateralism, support efforts to restore the central role of the UN, counter unilateral pressure and protectionism, and contribute more to global development and peace.
For his part, Ed Miliband stated that the new UK government places great importance on relations with China and intends to continue building a long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership that serves the strategic interests of both sides. He added that the UK and China, as influential major countries, should enhance cooperation in the areas of global security, health, and development.
Miliband also emphasized that the UK's long-standing position on Taiwan, adopted since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UK and China, remains unchanged. The UK is ready to expand contacts with all levels of China and increase cooperation in areas such as climate change, as well as strengthen communication in multilateral forums to ensure the long-term, sustainable, and stable development of bilateral relations. The parties also exchanged views on international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on Wednesday that China intends to work on resolving delicate issues with India and strengthening the positive momentum of bilateral relations.
During meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Philippine capital, Manila, Wang Yi met with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. During this meeting, Wang Yi stated China's readiness to work on implementing an important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries.
Furthermore, he noted the willingness to enhance high-level contacts, develop the economy, trade, as well as cultural exchange between the peoples.
Wang Yi emphasized that China is prepared to appropriately settle sensitive issues between the two states. Calling on both countries to consider the welfare of humanity, he stated that China and India must demonstrate the responsibility expected of major powers, strengthen the positive dynamics of bilateral ties, and enhance coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.
The minister also addressed the topic of improving coordination and cooperation within the BRICS structure. He pointed out that both countries should work together to better represent and ensure the common interests of developing countries. The state news agency Xinhua reported, citing Wang Yi, that China will continue to support India in holding a successful BRICS summit this year.
It was noted that Chinese Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar were in Manila to participate in events related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
