LONDON -- Cooperation between China and Britain will enhance relations between two countries and smooth over misunderstandings, Chinese ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang wrote in a signed article published in The Times on Monday.
"China welcomes (British Prime Minister) Sir Keir Starmer's forthcoming official visit. The last visit to China by a British prime minister took place in 2018. The past eight years have witnessed unprecedented changes in the world, and it has also been an eventful time in China-UK relations," Zheng said in the article titled "China and Britain don't see eye to eye but we share many interests."
Zheng noted that the resumption of high-level engagement serves the fundamental interests of both countries and both sides should work together to ensure that the visit delivers positive outcomes.
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Zheng also called for enhancing political trust. "Mutual trust is the foundation of bilateral relations. This visit will provide a valuable opportunity for leaders of the two countries to have an in-depth exchange of views on their respective domestic priorities and the current complex international situation," he said.
"China believes that our two countries should proceed from a long-term and strategic perspective, stick to our positioning as partners, and develop a stable and mutually beneficial relationship," the ambassador said.
He said that closer collaboration with China will only benefit Britain in attaining its development goals.
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"British businesses and consumers are becoming increasingly aware of this through first-hand experience. We should expand dialogue, co-ordination and co-operation across a wide range of fields, including trade and investment, financial services, clean energy, the fight against cross-border crime, education and culture, science and technological innovation, climate change and public health," he said.
"We should seek common ground while managing differences," he said, adding that it is a fact that China and Britain "do not see eye-to-eye on every issue."
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"Some of the differences arise from our different political systems and historical and cultural backgrounds; others from divergent practical interests; and many more from a lack of engagement and mutual understanding, which can make otherwise normal issues more complicated," he said.
"No storm, no rainbow. I hope that both sides will move in the same direction, seize this historic opportunity, and begin a new journey in China-UK relations, one defined by more trust and collaboration," Zheng said.
At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will pay an official visit to China from Jan 28 to Jan 31, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday.
