Senior Chinese official calls for healthy development of China-Britain ties

BEIJING -- Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Wednesday called on China and Britain to ensure the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.

Yang, also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with visiting British Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

Yang spoke highly of Prince Andrew's efforts on promoting China-Britain exchanges and practical cooperation and called on both sides to implement the important consensus reached by top leaders of the two countries and promote the "golden era" of bilateral relations.

He said the two countries should actively promote the building of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The healthy and stable development of bilateral ties served the fundamental interests of both peoples, Yang said.

For his part, Prince Andrew said Britain was devoted to promoting its "golden era" relationship with China and the British royal family was willing to play an active role in promoting exchanges and cooperation in various fields with China.