On May 10, 2004, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London and the two sides exchanged in-depth views on China-UK relations and international issues of common interest.

Wen said that China-UK relations have maintained sound momentum of development and are faced with good opportunities for further development. In the past half year, the Task Forces established by the two sides has scored considerable achievements in its work and has put forward concrete proposals and key areas for future development of bilateral relations. The Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to be issued after the talks defines the relations between the two countries as a comprehensive strategic partnership, which will serve as a new starting point for China-UK relations. The development of China-UK relations requires a sound and stable political foundation as well as comprehensive cooperation from a high starting point. To this end, the Chinese side put forward four suggestions.

First, establish a leaders' meeting mechanism. The two sides should regularize the annual meetings of heads of government and foreign ministers so as to exchange views on bilateral relations and significant international issues in a timely manner.

Second, enhance consultations on strategic issues. The two sides should bring closer their cooperation on such issues as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, environmental protection and sustainable development and continuously enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Third, identify key areas and upgrade levels for cooperation. The two sides can define the following six areas as priority areas for cooperation: trade and investment, finance, energy resources, science and technology, education and culture, and environmental protection. The Chinese side welcomes the British business community to take an active part in the country's initiative to rejuvenate the old industrial bases in Northeast China as well as the grand western development strategy, which are both underway.

Fourth, improve the bilateral dialogue mechanism. For more mature development of the relations between the two countries, the two sides should enhance understanding, expand consensus and properly handle differences through a dialogue mechanism from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Blair said UK-China relations are enjoying very good and encouraging developments. He agreed with the suggestions proposed by Premier Wen on developing the relations between the two countries. He noted that the Task Forces has conducted productive cooperation and proposed concrete steps to deepen bilateral comprehensive relations, which has laid a solid foundation for the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. As the largest investor in the EU to China, the United Kingdom maintains strong economic and trade ties with China. The UK government will encourage its businesses to fully participate in China's initiatives to rejuvenate the Northeastern old industrial bases and its grand western development, and to conduct scientific and technical cooperation with Chinese businesses and research institutions. The United Kingdom will support the European Union (EU) to grant China full market economy status as early as possible since it is not only beneficial to China but also very important to the world as a whole.

Prior to the talks, Prime Minister Blair held a ceremony to welcome Premier Wen Jiabao for his visit to the United Kingdom. Following the talks, the two prime ministers co-hosted a press conference to take questions from the media.

Earlier in the morning, Premier Wen Jiabao also met with Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom John Prescott. During the meeting, Premier Wen expressed his appreciations for the work that has been undertaken by Task Forces led by Mr. Prescott. They jointly attended the opening ceremony of the Seminar on Revitalizing the Old Industrial Base in Northeast China as well as the launching ceremony of China-UK business website.