Chinese FM urges Britain to avoid imposing security implications on economic, trade issues

MANILA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called on Britain to provide Chinese companies operating in the country with a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory business environment, and avoid imposing security implications on economic and trade issues.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in Manila, the Philippines.

China and Britain, both as major countries and permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, share a relationship that transcends the bilateral scope and carries global significance, Wang said.

China takes note of the new UK government's stated commitment to maintaining continuity and stability in its policy toward China, and hopes that Britain will adhere to the one-China principle and uphold the political foundation of bilateral relations, he noted.

Wang expressed China's expectation to work closely with the new UK government through high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

He stressed the need for China and Britain to work together to transcend differences, jointly uphold multilateralism, support efforts to revitalize the central role of the UN, oppose unilateral bullying and protectionism, and make greater contributions to the cause of world peace and development.

Miliband, for his part, said that the new UK government places great importance on relations with China and will continue to build the long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership with China, which serves the strategic interests of both sides.

Britain and China, as major countries with significant global influence, should continue to strengthen cooperation on global security, health and development issues, he noted.

Miliband stressed that the UK's longstanding position on the Taiwan question, adopted since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Britain and China, remains unchanged.

Britain is ready to enhance exchanges at all levels with China, broaden cooperation in areas such as climate change, and strengthen communication and coordination on multilateral platforms, so as to push for a long-term, sound and stable development of bilateral relations, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region.