China-UK relationship on fast track, envoy says

Cooperation on legal enforcement and security is part of the Sino-UK strategic partnership and a new cooperative trend in the future, said Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, China's top security department, as well as President Xi Jinping's special envoy.

Facing complicated international security situations and common challenges, China and the UK need to strengthen cooperation, Meng said, stressing it is a symbol of high mutual political trust. Also, China and the UK need to set a brilliant example of law enforcement cooperation between powers, Meng said upon meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday.

Meng forwarded regards from Xi and Premier Li Keqiang, and expressed condolences on the deaths of UK citizens in the recent terrorist attack in Tunisia.

The relationship between China and the UK has entered a fast track and Xi's coming state visit to the UK this October will further mark the beginning of a golden age in the mutual relationship, he said. China is willing to cooperate with the UK to take this precious opportunity to make a long-term plan for a mutual relationship and to defend the peace and prosperity of the world.

Cameron, who attended the meeting along with British First Secretary of State George Osborne, sent his regards to Xi and Li. He said that the relationship between the two countries has been strengthened, with breakthroughs in areas such as trade, investment, and finance.

This year marks a golden year for the mutual relationship and the UK leaders said they hope Xi's coming state visit will be a huge success. The UK is willing to strengthen cooperation with China on issues like law enforcement and security and fighting terrorism at both bilateral and UN levels.

During his visit to the UK, Meng also will hold talks with Phillip Hammond, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, as well as senior officials in charge of law enforcement and security.