Beijing, August 26th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with James Sassoon, Conservative member of the House of Lords and Honorary President of China-Britain Business Council (CBBC).

Liu said, both China and the UK are currently in an important development period. Not long ago, the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was successfully held, drawing up a grand blueprint for further deepening reform and promoting Chinese modernization, and proposing more than 300 reform measures. The UK also held general elections not long ago and established a new government. Under the new situation, the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen contacts and dialogues, expand consensus, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. China will continue to promote high-level opening up and develop together with the world. It is hoped that the CBBC will continue to encourage British companies to invest in China. The CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges, dialogues and cooperation with major British political parties, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and promote bilateral relations for sustained and healthy development.

James Sassoon congratulated the CPC on the successful convening of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He said, the call between the leaders of the two countries sent a positive signal. The British business community attaches importance to China's huge potential in economic development, investment and trade. As China accelerates opening up, the British side is confident that both sides will further complement each other's advantages in many areas. The CBBC has long supported the development of bilateral relations and is willing to promote communication, dialogue and cooperation between the two countries' political parties, governments, business communities and other sectors, to promote the development of UK-China and EU-China relations.

Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.