Backgrounder: China, UK develop stronger relations

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 02-02-2009 08:27

Relations between China and Britain have come a long way in the past 30 years. Partnerships have deepened, and both sides are seeking to work closer together in these tough economic times.

After assuming office in 2007, Prime Minister Gordon Brown  said relations with China are important to Britain,  especially on economic issues.

Since establishments of bilateral ties at the ambassador-level in March 1972, Sino-British relations has overcome a variety of challenges and achieved steady progress.

From the return of Hong Kong to China to the forging of a strategic partnership in 2004.

After assuming office in 2007, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said relations with China are important to Britain, especially on economic issues.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, "Relationship between China and Britain are very strong. The trade between China and Britain is growing very fast indeed. It is not just one-way, it is two-way."

Trade volume in 2008 was worth over 40 billion US dollars. Britain has accumulated investment in China of more than 15 billion US dollars.

Britain was one of the earliest west-European countries to tap into the Chinese market, and the two countries have long-established cooperative partnership. Economic ties are particularly strong in the fields of energy, chemicals and the environment.

In January 2008, Chinese premier Wen Jiabao met with Gordon Brown in Beijing. The two sides signed 800-million-US dollars worth of contracts on education, energy and the environment. The two side hoped to boost bilateral trade volume to 60 billion US dollars.

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao said, "We have established a very good work and personal relationship. We had a frank exchange of views on a wide range of issues. Through our joint efforts, the Sino-British relationship has entered a new stage of comprehensive development."

"Comprehensive" means focusing not just on economic issues..

Culture exchanges have also bonded the two nations.

London will succeed Beijing as the host city of the Olympics, so it's naturally sharing China's experiences in hosting the Summer Games. But it's also forging stronger links with China to weather the economic downturn together.

Editor:Zhang Ning