Starmer's visit yields positive outcomes

China and the United Kingdom achieved a series of positive outcomes during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China, including their commitment to developing a long-term consistent comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two countries agreed to establish the China-UK high-level partnership on climate and nature, and resume the China-UK high-level security dialogue.

Both sides also agreed to hold a new round of institutional dialogues within the year, including a strategic dialogue, an economic and financial dialogue and the meeting of the China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission.

China expressed its willingness to actively consider implementing a unilateral visa-free policy for UK citizens, and it agreed to reduce the tariff on whisky imported from the UK to 5 percent from 10 percent.

The two sides agreed in principle to resume normal exchanges between their legislative bodies, and China welcomed visits by British parliamentarians who are interested in gaining a genuine understanding of the country.

During Starmer's visit, the leaders witnessed the signing of 12 intergovernmental cooperation documents covering areas such as trade and economy, agriculture and food, culture, market regulation and law enforcement collaboration. Both sides finalized multiple cooperation documents covering sectors such as finance, healthcare, media and education.

A meeting of the UK-China Business Council was convened during the British PM's visit, and the two countries decided to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

Both sides welcomed the establishment of the China-UK financial working group and the holding of its inaugural meeting. Furthermore, they welcomed the Bank of China London branch becoming the second renminbi-clearing bank in the UK, and decided to jointly host the China-UK Insurance Forum.