On December 14, the Chinese Embassy in the UK held a briefing on Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi's visit to UK and current Sino-UK relations. More than 10 reporters from Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily, CCTV, China News Service, Phoenix TV and Sing Tao Daily attended. The briefing was presided by Mr. Zhao Shangsen from the Press Section. Counsellor Liu Jinsong were present.

Mr. Zhao briefly reviewed the agenda of Foreign Minister Yang's visit to UK and introduced its background, purpose and major programs. He denoted that this visit was made in the context of major changes in international and European political situation, Sino-UK relationship continuously strengthened and Prime Minister Gordon Brown's upcoming visit to China. Both sides attached great importance to this visit. Foreign Minister Yang met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Foreign Secretary David Miliband, and Rt Hon Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer. He also delivered a keynote speech at the Royal Institute of International Affairs. This visit was a complete success.

Prime Minister Brown denoted that Sino-UK relationship is the best ever in history and all walks of life in UK attach great importance and advocate strengthening Sino-UK relations. The development of China provides great opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in political, economical, cultural and social fields. Brown congratulated China on the preparation for Beijing Olympic Games and believed that China would hold a successful Olympic Games.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband publicly denounces Taiwan's planned "Referendum on UN membership" and exchanged opinions with Foreign Minister Yang on China's scientific outlook on development, bilateral cooperation and international and regional issues.

The UK leaders also denoted that UK will stick to free trade, open door, internationalization policies, against the trend of protectionism and opposes to politicalize economic and trade issues. UK is willing to expand two way trade and investment, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in finance, and promote Sino-Europe relations.

Mr. Zhao also denoted that corresponding departments of both Ministries of Foreign Affairs paid great attention to Prime Minister Gordon Brown's upcoming visit to China and were working closely for the arrangements.

The participants made positive comments on this briefing, thinking it helps in making accurate and in-depth reports of Sino-UK relations. They hoped that such briefing could be held again in the future.