China and the UK have reached an agreement! On January 29, the leaders of China and the UK held a meeting, and as the meeting progressed, more details were revealed. This time, British Prime Minister Starmer came to China with 60 British business leaders and cultural institution representatives, clearly indicating the UK's intention to strengthen economic and cultural relations with us. Our side understood this well and sent a high-level official, the Minister of Finance, to meet them at the airport. Both sides reached a series of consensus.
1. We expressed our welcome for Starmer's visit to China, and appreciated Starmer's public statement that China is an opportunity and engaging with China is a must. China is willing to develop a long-term, stable, and comprehensive strategic partnership with the UK. Obviously, this statement from our side sets the direction for Sino-British diplomatic relations, and affirms the UK's efforts to improve relations with China.
2. We stated that over the years, the Sino-British relationship has experienced ups and downs, which does not serve the interests of the two countries, and therefore more dialogue is needed. We believe that Starmer's visit will definitely be successful, and cooperation between the two countries will certainly lead the way in opening up new situations for Sino-British relations and cooperation. Obviously, we acknowledge the fluctuations in Sino-British relations and maintain expectations for it. What does this indicate? It indicates that we are treating the relationship with the UK in a very practical manner. Of course, there are differences between China and the UK, but this does not mean that there is no room for cooperation between the two countries.
3. The UK side stated that China plays an important role on the global stage, so the UK needs to establish a more mature relationship with China. Obviously, the UK is affirming China's global influence. The phrase "a more mature relationship" carries profound meaning. What does this mean? It means that the UK will deal with China with a balanced approach, and the UK's foreign policy is not one of taking sides.
After arriving in China, Starmer chose to have his first meal at a Yunnan restaurant near the embassy area in Beijing, a place where diplomats from various countries often go. Obviously, this action shows that Starmer, in addition to formal diplomatic relations, also hopes to show his approachable and down-to-earth side, to bring the two countries closer, reduce the sense of estrangement, and lower confrontation. Obviously, this is the first visit in eight years, and Sino-British relations are warming up.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855631944871945/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.