Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Burnham Hold Talks on Bilateral Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Burnham on September 8, marking their first high-level communication since Burnham took office. According to Chinese state media readouts, Xi urged both nations to transcend differences, protect Chinese investors, and deepen cooperation in finance, healthcare, and education as China prepares its 15th Five-Year Plan. Burnham reportedly affirmed the UK's unchanged stance on Taiwan, noted his past ties to China as Mayor of Manchester, and expressed interest in restoring bilateral relations to historic highs.

The phone call represents the first top-level diplomatic contact between Beijing and the UK's new premiership, providing an opening to stabilize a bilateral relationship strained by years of geopolitical friction. Both leaders signaled mutual interest in pragmatic economic engagement, multilateral coordination, and joint efforts on climate change.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call with British Prime Minister Burnham on the evening of September 8, marking the first direct leadership contact since Burnham took office in London, according to official reports from Xinhua News Agency. Congratulating Burnham on his appointment, Xi emphasized that China and the United Kingdom remain comprehensive strategic partners. Xi noted that despite differences in social systems and domestic conditions, shared interests between the two nations outweigh their disagreements. He urged both sides to adhere to mutual respect, seek common ground while managing differences, and expand mutual economic cooperation. Pointing to the domestic priorities of both governments in advancing economic development and improving public welfare, Xi stated that their economic profiles offer complementary strengths. Xi specifically highlighted China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period, noting that Beijing intends to further broaden foreign access to its education, healthcare, and financial service sectors. He identified these areas as having significant cooperative potential, given both countries' scientific, cultural, and technological foundations. At the same time, Xi urged the British government to fully safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors operating in the UK. On multilateral affairs, Xi reiterated that as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major world economies, China and Britain should support multilateralism, open trade, and the central role of the United Nations. He urged closer collaboration within frameworks like the UN, G20, and World Trade Organization to promote an orderly multipolar order and inclusive globalization. According to the Chinese state readout, Burnham agreed with Xi's assessments, recalling his past ties with China during his long tenure as Mayor of Manchester, including Xi's state visit to the city in 2015. Burnham stated that the UK intends to maintain policy continuity toward Beijing and stably develop a long-term strategic partnership, adding that London hopes to conduct high-level exchanges, expand people-to-people links, and restore bilateral relations to historic highs. Burnham also stated that the UK's position on Taiwan has not changed, while thanking Chinese authorities for assisting affected British nationals during a recent mudslide in Gyirong County, Tibet.