China would welcome a visit from British Prime Minister Theresa May at an "appropriate time", said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Wednesday, providing no details about the timing of an expected visit.
May's spokeswoman was quoted by Reuters yesterday as saying May will make a visit this year to discuss trade ties amid speculation that China had invited her to attend a major summit in May on its Belt and Road Initiative.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang speaks at a press conference on February 8, 2017. /MOFA Photo
"We are willing to work with Britain to advance sustainable, healthy and stable development of the China-Britain global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st century," Lu said.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Britain.
During the two-day G20 Summit in Hangzhou last September, May’s first visit to China as prime minister, she met Chinese President Xi Jinping and said it is a “golden era” for China-UK relations.
Lu said China believes Britain and the EU will negotiate a "win-win" deal. A prosperous, stable and open Britain and Europe are in the interests of all, the spokesperson added.
British Prime Minister Theresa May (2nd-L) speaks during her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) at the West Lake State House on September 5, 2016 in Hangzhou, China. /CFP Photo
Belt and Road Initiative summit
The Belt and Road summit to be held in Beijing this May will be the highest-level event since the birth of the initiative. So far few details about attendees have been revealed.
One Beijing-based diplomatic source with direct knowledge of the invite list told Reuters that May was among the leaders who had been invited.
Lu told a daily news briefing on Wednesday that plans for the summit are proceeding smoothly, and that details of the participants will be announced at a later date.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, over 100 countries and international organizations have expressed their support for the initiative, and more than 40 countries and international organizations have signed relevant cooperation agreements with China.
British Prime Minister Theresa May (R) sits with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) for a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London on December 20, 2016. /CFP Photo
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said in an interview with People's Daily published on February 3 that almost 20 state leaders have confirmed their attendance, representing countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America.
China will also invite ministerial delegations, senior officials from international organizations, former state dignitaries, prominent business leaders and scholars to attend the forum so as to pool together more wisdom for future cooperation.
