On December 6, 2007, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at No. 10 Downing Street.

During the meeting, Yang said that the relations between China and the United Kingdom have maintained good momentum for development, bilateral cooperation on such areas as trade, culture and education has been further deepened, and the UK remains the biggest investor in China among the European Union members. There are over 100,000 Chinese studying in the UK, which helps to build up mutual understanding between the two peoples. The two countries have also maintained close communication and coordination in international and regional issues, he added.

The development of China-UK relations is now facing an important opportunity of development, and the Chinese government highly values developing relations with the UK, said Yang. Yang said China will take Prime Minister Brown's visit to China next year as an opportunity to push the China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership for long-term, steady and sound development.

Brown said bilateral relations enjoy a strong momentum for growth and the business community in the UK has strong aspiration for expanding trade ties with China. He welcomed Chinese companies to invest in the UK, and urged the two countries to enhance cooperation on financial service, education, science and technology, research and development, as well as environmental protection. Brown said that he was looking forward to his trip to China, and would work together with Chinese leaders to consolidate and develop bilateral ties.

Yang praised the UK's efforts to develop China-EU ties, adding that China values the UK's influence in the European Union and hopes that the country will continue its efforts in this regard. Brown said against the backdrop of globalization, his country will remain committed to pushing for long-term development of EU-China ties and opposing trade protectionism.

Brown stressed that the UK would unswervingly adhere to the one-China policy, which Yang appreciated.

Brown praised China's constructive role in the international and regional affairs, such as Darfur issue. During the meeting, both sides agreed that the two countries would maintain close consultation and cooperation on international affairs.

Later, Yang met with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, who also chairs the China Task Force.

During the meeting, Yang made positive comments on bilateral economic and trade cooperation and appreciated the policy of free trade and open investment adopted by the UK government. The foreign minister said China is ready to work with the UK to give full play to the role of various dialogue mechanisms between the two countries and promote bilateral cooperation in key areas.

Darling said trade and investment protectionism is a kind of retrogression, which the UK is opposed to. The UK attaches importance to China's role in the world economic growth and is ready to participate in China's western development and other development strategies. The UK hopes to strengthen dialogue with China and advance bilateral cooperation on investment, finance, education and politics, he added.

On the same day, Yang also met with All Party Parliamentary China Group. Yang spoke highly of the parliamentary exchanges between the two countries, expressing hope that both sides will well implement relevant exchange mechanisms and contribute to steady and sound development of China-UK ties. Yang also elaborated on the issues of the MPs' concern including the Iranian nuclear issue, Kosovo, climate change and China's aid to Africa.

Yang also had talks with Simon McDonald, head of foreign and defense policy to the prime minister.