Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that China and Britain share more common interests than differences during his first publicly known phone call with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Xi on Tuesday called for the two countries to “overcome differences, seek common ground, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation”, highlighting technology, education, healthcare and finance as areas for closer cooperation.
The call was held at Burnham’s invitation, according to a summary released by China’s foreign ministry. Burnham’s office said the leaders discussed “pragmatic cooperation”, including economic growth and living standards.
Burnham also raised domestic security, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular cases, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
Xi said China and Britain, as major global economies, should strengthen coordination through multilateral frameworks, adding that both countries support multilateralism and open trade.
He also called for greater exchanges between the two countries in technology and other fields, describing China and Britain as major technology powers.
Closer ties, lingering tensions
Relations between Beijing and London have warmed in recent months, including after former prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing in January, when China agreed to extend a visa-free scheme to Britons and reduce tariffs on whisky.
The rapprochement has also reflected shared interest in diversifying trade relationships amid growing tensions with Washington.
Xi also urged Britain to “fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors”, apparently referring to London’s nationalisation of British Steel, which is owned by a Chinese steelmaker.
