Xi Jinping Holds Phone Call with UK Prime Minister, Says Shared Interests Outweigh Differences

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call on the evening of the 8th (Tuesday) with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, stating that while differences exist, shared interests between the two nations are greater, and both sides should respect and trust each other, transcend differences, and seek common ground while managing disagreements.

According to CCTV, Xi Jinping congratulated Burnham on his appointment as UK Prime Minister, noting that China and the UK are comprehensive strategic partners. Despite differences in social systems and national conditions, their shared interests outweigh their differences, and both sides should respect and trust each other, transcend disagreements, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.

Xi Jinping stated that both governments are committed to economic development and improving people's livelihoods, and can complement each other's strengths and support one another. During China's '15th Five-Year Plan' period, the country will further open up education, healthcare, and finance to foreign participation—areas with significant potential for bilateral cooperation.

Xi added that both China and the UK are major players in science and technology, with rich resources in education, culture, and sports, and should maintain an open and forward-looking mindset to strengthen exchanges and cooperation across all fields.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global economies, both nations support multilateralism and open trade, and uphold the central role of the United Nations. Xi emphasized the need to enhance communication and collaboration within frameworks such as the UN, G20, and WTO to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive, universally beneficial economic globalization.

According to CCTV, Burnham expressed agreement, stating that the UK is willing to maintain continuity in its China policy and is committed to developing a long-term, stable strategic partnership with China.

The UK is ready to engage in high-level exchanges with China, promote cooperation across all sectors, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and restore bilateral relations to their highest historical levels.

Burnham noted that amid a turbulent and complex international landscape, as permanent members of the Security Council, China and the UK should promote dialogue to resolve international hotspot issues, jointly address global challenges such as climate change, and work together to safeguard world stability and prosperity.