China has urged the United Kingdom to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies as both nations aim to enhance their bilateral ties. This call was made during the 11th China-UK Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China’s hopes for the UK to create favorable conditions for Chinese enterprises. Wang emphasized the importance of supporting the ongoing development of relations between the two countries.
The dialogue marked a continuation of exchanges and cooperation across various sectors, which have seen a resurgence following recent high-level interactions between the nations. Wang underscored the need to maintain open dialogue, expand practical cooperation, and advocate for multilateralism, particularly in the face of increasing global uncertainties. The discussions further highlighted the pivotal roles China and the UK play as major international actors in addressing global challenges and advancing a more balanced system of global governance.
In response, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reaffirmed Britain’s dedication to fostering stable and constructive relations with China. She emphasized the growing importance of strong dialogue and cooperation as both countries navigate a complex international landscape. Cooper also reiterated the UK’s longstanding stance on the Taiwan issue and expressed support for ongoing engagement with China, while advocating for managing differences through constructive dialogue.
Economic and trade cooperation was a central theme of the talks, with both sides exploring opportunities in emerging fields such as science, technology, artificial intelligence, climate initiatives, and innovation. During her visit, Cooper held meetings in Beijing and Shenzhen aimed at expanding collaboration in these key areas. Analysts suggest that this dialogue signifies efforts by both governments to translate recent political agreements into tangible outcomes while maintaining communication on global issues and economic cooperation.