On February 18, 2008, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown met with visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan at No. 10 Downing Street in London, the Prime Minister's Palace.

Tang said that both China and the United Kingdom (UK) are influential countries, as well as important cooperative partners for each other. Against a background of continued globalization, the common interests shared by China and Britain continue to expand, and the two countries have also faced many global issues and challenges which need to be addressed jointly, said Tang. He added that strengthening Sino-British cooperation serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, and is conducive to world peace and prosperity. Brown's successful visit to China last month showed that the bilateral relations had entered a new stage of development, said Tang.

Tang said both countries have a good opportunity to develop bilateral relations, as they have a strong willingness for cooperation and improved dialogue mechanisms. They also share a clear goal, a solid foundation and wide space for cooperation. China is willing to work with the UK to seize the opportunity and well implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, so as to push forward the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, Brown said the development of bilateral relations is enjoying strong momentum, with close exchanges between leaders of the two countries and deepening political mutual trust. Both sides also share a clear goal for cooperation. The UK commits itself to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is willing to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The UK is confident of the realization of the new bilateral trade goal set by the two countries last month, and hopes to further strengthen trade ties through the financial and economic dialogue at vice prime minister level, said Brown, adding that Britain welcomed the investment from Chinese businesses, such as the China Investment Corporation. Britain is ready to expand bilateral cooperation on science, technology, education and medical science, encourages cultural exchanges and supports the holding of "China Now" program.

Brown said his country appreciates China's rapid economic growth. He said the stable and sustainable development of China's economy makes an important contribution to the world, and Britain hopes to strengthen cooperation with China on reform of the international financial system to maintain stability in the world economy.

Brown said he looked forward to watching the Beijing Olympic Games, expressing his wish and belief that the event will be a great success.

The British prime minister also reiterated his government's adherence to the one-China policy, adding that this position is consistent and will remain unchanged.

British Finance Secretary Alistair Darling attended the meeting.