China, Britain seal global partnership with joint declaration

Chinese President Xi Jinping (3rd L) talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron (4th L) at a local pub after their meeting in Cameron's country retreat, Chequers, Britain, Oct 22, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

LONDON - Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday had more than four hours of talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron and enjoyed fish and chips in a traditional pub, in a stroke of no-necktie diplomacy that observers say will cement the global partnership between the two countries.

After days of official meetings in central London, Xi experienced private, family-style hospitality and a British night at Chequers, a tranquil country estate that has hosted many foreign dignitaries since becoming the official retreat for prime ministers in the 1920s.

The two leaders strolled on the lawn and had in-depth discussions on governance, bilateral relations and global affairs. Besides treating Xi with snacks at the nearby pub, Cameron also hosted a dinner for the president at his residence.

During the talks, Xi said his state visit to Britain has turned out to be a huge success with fruitful results, and he is fully confident that China-Britain relations will enter a "golden era."

China is willing to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries to realize common development and prosperity, and will strengthen cooperation with Britain in such fields as reform, innovation, rule of law and fighting corruption, Xi told Cameron at Chequers.

China's 13th five-year plan, which is to be rolled out soon, means a more favorable environment, wider market and diversified business opportunities for foreign countries to participate in China's development, Xi said.

As a responsible major country, China is ready to make more contribution to world peace and development, he said.

Cameron echoed Xi on the elevation of bilateral relations, calling it a "win-win decision" and urging both sides to implement the results of this visit.

Britain, he said, backs China in playing a bigger role in international institutions, supports the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the reform of the International Monetary Fund and the internationalization of Chinese currency RMB, and is willing to help promote China-EU relations.

Xi was the first Chinese president to visit Chequers, an important venue for British diplomacy located near Ellesborough, to the south of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, at the foot of the Chiltern Hills.

Compared to No. 10 Downing Street, the countryside retreat will help create a more relaxed atmosphere for discussions, during which the leaders can free themselves from diplomatic etiquette and exchange views as if they were at a friend's party, said Xu Xiujun, a scholar at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Xu's remarks were seconded by Stephen Perry, chairman of the 48 Group Club, an independent British business network committed to promoting links with China.

"The effect ... is to enable the two leaders to discuss any world affairs as friends and not trying to push views on the other," said Perry, who was among a group of British friends met by Xi earlier in the day. "This enables them to work together to find solutions."

Perry told Xinhua that he has the feeling that Chinese and Britons enjoy being together.

"It is much more than just business," he said. "My wish that Britain develops a special relationship with China has been launched in a very real way."