On October 22 local time, President Xi Jinping held meeting again with Prime Minister David Cameron of the UK in Chequers Court, the Prime Minister’s country retreat.
On the afternoon, upon arriving at the Chequers Court, Xi Jinping was warmly greeted by David Cameron. The leaders of the two nations together went to the lawn of the retreat and planted an oak tree symbolizing the China-UK friendship. The two leaders had a stroll on the lawn while chatting. David Cameron once again extended warm welcome to President Xi Jinping for his state visit to the UK. Xi Jinping noted that his visit to the UK is a complete success with fruitful results, and he is fully confident that China-UK relations will open up a “golden era”.
In the Chequers Court, the country retreat, the two leaders had a four-and-half-hour long talk, exchanging in-depth views on governance and administration of state affairs, bilateral relations, international situation and other topics.
Xi Jinping pointed out that during his visit, he deeply felt the great importance attached by and earnest expectations of the UK side to the development of bilateral relations, and experienced the friendly affections of the UK people towards the Chinese people. Both sides have reached multitude of consensus, not only lifting bilateral relations to a new high, but also drawing a blueprint for deepening bilateral cooperation.
Xi Jinping stressed that the Chinese people are striving to realize the “two centenary goals”. China is willing to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries including the UK to achieve common development and prosperity. China is formulating its 13th Five-Year Plan. During the “13th Five-Year period”, China’s development will create more favorable conditions, broader market and more diversified business opportunities for foreign countries’ participation. China will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the UK in such fields as reform, innovation, rule of law and fighting corruption.
Xi Jinping pointed out that at present the complicated and ever-changing international situation is confronted with various risks and challenges. All countries in the world, with their destiny being bound together, have become an inseparable community of shared destiny. All nations should carry forward the spirit of helping each other in difficult times to jointly build a more prosperous, stable and harmonious world. As a responsible major nation, China is willing to make more contributions to world peace and development.
Xi Jinping stressed that the EU is China’s comprehensive strategic partner and largest trading partner. China wants to see a prosperous Europe and a united EU, and hopes that the UK, as an important member of the EU, could play a more positive and constructive role in promoting in-depth development of China-EU relations.
David Cameron noted that both the UK and China are major civilizations. The two countries should support each other to realize development and stability through better mutual understanding and respect. The two economies are highly complementary, and the UK stands ready to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results by expanding cooperation with China. The successful visit of President Xi Jinping to the UK elevates bilateral relations to a new high. Both nations announced to jointly build the China-UK global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st century, which conforms to the interests of both sides and is a win-win decision. Both sides should implement the outcome from the visit.
David Cameron expressed that as major world economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and China should be cooperative partners. The UK backs China in playing a bigger role in international organizations, supports the construction of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the internationalization of RMB, and is willing to play a positive role in promoting EU-China relations.
Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present at the meeting.
After the meeting, Xi Jinping, accompanied by Prime Minister David Cameron, went to local town by car to experience the pub culture. The two leaders had beers and the British specialty food fish and chips, and communicated with local residents.
Afterwards, Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan attended the family dinner hosted by David Cameron. The two sides had exchanges in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
At around 10:00 in the evening, Xi Jinping concluded his visit to London and left for Manchester by special plane to continue his state visit to the UK. When his special plane arrived at the Manchester Airport, Queen’s representative for Greater Manchester Warren Smith, Lord Mayor Paul Murphy of Manchester and others greeted him at the airport.