British PM expects even better ties with China in 2016

Prime Minister David Cameron. [File photo]

LONDON -- The Britain-China relationship will be "greater" this year after a "golden" year of 2015, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Monday.

Cameron said this at a reception in his office attended by about 100 representatives from Britain and China to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

"If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want a thousand years of prosperity, grow relationships between people and people," Cameron quoted a Chinese saying to describe the relations between China and Britain.

"That is exactly why we engage in the building of this great relationship between Britain and China," he said.

Speaking highly of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Britain last year, Cameron said it not only helped forge a golden era of bilateral relationship, but also led to deals worth around 40 billion pounds ($57.7 billion).

He said Britain accounts for around 30 percent of China's total investment in Europe. According to the British government, Britain is also China's second largest exporter in Europe.

"It is great when you think about how deep and strong the relationship is," said Cameron, adding that the two countries are working closely with each other in areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, education and so on.

"I think education is an area we can take to an even higher level. Many Chinese students are studying in Britain. I would like to see more British students take the opportunities to go and study in China. I think there is a huge opportunity in the years ahead," he said.

Cameron also extended his warm wishes for a happy Chinese new year at the reception.