World news story

UK and China talks on foreign policy and security

The UK and China this week held in-depth talks in London on foreign policy and security issues in the formal UK-China Strategic Dialogue.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
The Foreign Secretary and State Councillor Yang held talks on Thursday and Friday this week.

The Foreign Secretary and State Councillor Yang held talks on Thursday and Friday this week.

The Foreign Secretary said:

I am delighted to welcome Yang Jiechi on his first visit to London as State Councillor for Foreign Affairs for China.

We exchanged views on some of today’s most pressing international issues – such as Syria, North Korea and Ukraine.

We also talked about Asia Pacific. The security and stability of this region is vital to the entire global economy.

State Councillor Yang and I discussed some of the key issues which underpin successful economies and societies such as the need for trade liberalisation, cyber security and respect for human rights.

We also agreed that our two countries have a lot to offer each other. The UK has expertise in areas such as healthcare, low carbon technology, education and professional services which can support China’s planned reforms.

Equally, as Chinese companies look to build global brands, the UK’s open business environment and culture of innovation offers them a major opportunity.

I was delighted today to formalise agreements with State Councillor Yang to open new Consulates General in Wuhan and Belfast. This is a clear signal of a bright future for our bilateral relations.

The Foreign Secretary and State Councillor Yang held talks on Thursday and Friday this week.

The Foreign Secretary and State Councillor Yang held talks on Thursday and Friday this week.

Further information

The Foreign Secretary and State Councillor Yang held talks on Thursday and Friday this week. The UK-China relationship is wide-ranging, with key dialogues including the Summit, between the Prime Minister and Chinese Premier, the Strategic Dialogue, the Economic and Financial Dialogue, the People to People Dialogue and the Human Rights Dialogue.

Published 28 February 2014
Last updated 28 February 2014 + show all updates
  1. Added translation

  2. First published.