Beijing, January 29: Top Chinese official Wang Yi, serving on the CPC Central Committee Politburo and heading the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, engaged in crucial talks with Jonathan Powell, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s National Security Adviser.
Wang Yi revealed plans for Starmer’s imminent official visit to China, a historic first in eight years for a British prime minister, promising to inject fresh momentum into relations.
He stressed the vital roles of China and Britain as P5 nations in promoting global peace and progress. Against a backdrop of intricate global challenges, they should honor UN Charter ideals, ramp up communication and teamwork, confront issues unitedly, and defend the international system anchored by the United Nations.
In response, Powell recognized China’s position as a economic superpower with substantial worldwide clout. He lamented the years of absent high-level dialogues, which have not advanced the welfare of citizens in either country.
The UK anticipates capitalizing on Starmer’s trip to fortify interactions at every level and domain, cultivating a robust, all-encompassing strategic bond. Powell is certain that mutual endeavors will crown the visit with success.
Discussions also covered shared concerns such as the Ukraine conflict and other hotspots.
This dialogue reflects broader efforts to stabilize and elevate Sino-UK ties strained by issues like Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and trade disputes. Starmer’s visit could herald pragmatic cooperation on pressing matters like supply chains, green energy, and pandemic recovery, benefiting both economies and the global stage.