China, Great Britain reassert ties

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China is willing to work with Britain and other countries to defend multi-laterialism in the face of various challenges, during his meeting with British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Wang said China and Britain, both permanent members at the UN Security Council, should play the role of stabilizer in a world of uncertainty.

China has been committed to a road of cooperation for development and win-win, and will not take the West's old road of a strong country having to seek hegemony, Wang said.

Wang reiterated China's stance on the South China Sea, urging Britain to fulfill its commitment not to take sides on the issue.

Britain is expected to respect China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and do more things that promote bilateral ties, he said.

Hunter responded by reiterating that Britain will not take sides on the issue and wants to solve differences properly through dialogue with China.

Praising China's rapid development, Hunter said the British government pays close attention to developing relations with China and building a Golden Era with China.

He said Britain does not take China's rise as a threat and is willing to step up strategic dialogue with China to deepen cooperation in various fields and commits to defending a rules-based international order.