Britain and China agree to keep talking as Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets new British counterpart James Cleverly
- Wang told his British counterpart that ‘mutual respect’ was key to the relationship and the two sides should avoid confrontation
- Although Cleverly stressed the importance of dialogue, he expressed concern over Taiwan in the meeting at the UN in New York
Wang emphasised that China and the UK should avoid conflict and confrontation and focus on mutually beneficial cooperation.
“A sound China-Britain relationship is based upon mutual respect, with objective understanding as the prerequisite, and proper handling of differences as the key,” Wang said, according to a report by state news agency Xinhua.
Cleverly, appointed to the role earlier this month, set out the importance of constructive engagement with China as a fellow permanent member of the UN Security Council on key issues including security, climate change and global health, according to a British government statement.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining channels to discuss issues that both sides do not agree on.
Wang urged the UK to adhere to the “one-China” policy and voice clear opposition to Taiwanese independence, while Cleverly said Britain’s position on the island remains unchanged.
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