On the morning of Dec. 2, 2013, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council and UK Prime Minister David Cameron held the first Annual China-UK Prime Ministers' Meeting since the new Chinese government was established. Both sides had an in-depth exchange of views on China-UK relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest and reached broad consensus.
Li Keqiang said that China and UK are both countries with a global vision and considerable influence in the world. The healthy and stable development of bilateral relations is in line with the common interests of both sides and is conductive to peace, prosperity, development and progress of the world. The two countries should insist on mutual respect and equal treatment, understand and take care of each other's major concerns, properly handle sensitive issues and push for more vigor and fruits in the China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership.
Li Keqiang pointed out that the 3rd Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee has made important arrangements for comprehensively deepening reform. China will continue to deepen reform and open further to the outside world. It will further release market vigor and social creativity and bring tremendous opportunities for UK and the world. China and UK can take advantage of each other's complementarities and start a new course of common growth, prosperity and progress.
First, to promote trade and investment cooperation. China owns secure technologies and relatively good performance to price ratio in nuclear power and high-speed railway. The two countries enjoy a promising prospect and could even jointly explore the third-party markets if the two countries strengthen cooperation in this area. It is hoped that UK would continue to uphold the position of opposing trade protectionism, support market transparency and openness, and maintain the stability and continuity of its investment policies; and that UK would grant equal treatment to Chinese capital, technology and equipment and protect the interests of Chinese investors in the United Kingdom.
Second, to strengthen fiscal and financial cooperation. China will continue to support the development of offshore RMB market in London according to market-driven principles. It is hoped that UK would execute the policy of allowing Chinese wholesale banks to open branches in UK at an earlier date to facilitate the listing and financing of Chinese companies in UK.
Third, to deepen high-tech cooperation. Premier Li proposed to advance cooperation in science and innovation, expand high-tech trade and strengthen cooperation in aerospace, offshore wind power and new energy. It is hoped that UK would expand the export of high-tech products to China.
Fourth, to increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It is hoped that UK would simplify visa procedures for Chinese tourists and business visitors, resolve the difficulties of employees working in Chinese-funded enterprises in UK in obtaining visas and enable the people-to-people exchange to serve as the "booster" for bilateral relations.
Fifth, to strengthen communication and cooperation in regional and international affairs. China and UK are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and enjoy broad common interests in safeguarding world peace, advocating free trade, dealing with climate change, promoting development and poverty reduction and many other areas. The two countries need to strengthen collaboration within important international organizations including the United Nations and the Group of Twenty, and jointly safeguard multilateral trading scheme and cope with global challenges.
Li Keqiang said that UK, as a major country in the European Union, plays a unique and important role in China-EU relations. It is hoped that UK would continue to exert positive influence and make new contributions to deepening China-EU relations and China-EU cooperation in different areas.
Prime Minister David Cameron said that the UK government attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to strengthen exchange and dialogue and promote cooperation with China following the principles of mutual understanding and mutual respect. UK respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, recognizes that Tibet is part of China and does not support Tibet's independence. UK supports an open international trade system and is willing to further strengthen cooperation with China in trade, investment, science and other areas. UK welcomes Chinese companies to invest in nuclear power in UK and is willing to introduce to China the planned high-speed railway projects in UK.
After the meeting, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister David Cameron witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral cooperation documents covering investment, science & technology, finance, judicial affairs and culture. The two prime ministers also meet with the representatives of UK entrepreneurs.
Prior to the meeting, Premier Li held a welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister David Cameron at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Ma Biao, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was also present at the ceremony.