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6 October 1998
The Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Zhu Rongji, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr. Tony Blair, held talks in Beijing on October 6, 1998. They exchanged views on bilateral relations and international issues of common concern in a friendly atmosphere and issued the following joint statement:
China and the United Kingdom, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, share extensive international interests and responsibilities. The two countries will step up cooperation both bilaterally and multinationally including within the framework of the United Nations for the maintenance of world peace and security.
The two Governments welcome the positive development of bilateral relations during recent years, and particularly since the successful hand-over in Hong Kong. Both sides consider that the time is right for the opening of a new chapter in relations between China and the United Kingdom. They agree to expand political, economic, cultural and technological links. In this context, it is agreed that President Jiang Zemin should pay a State Visit to the UK at the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the second half of 1999.
The two sides note that the Joint Declaration of 1984 and the successful handover in Hong Kong in 1997 were historic achievements. The peaceful resolution of the question of Hong Kong is something in which the people of both countries, and especially the people of Hong Kong, can take pride. Both sides reiterate that the implementation of the Joint Declaration and the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy will ensure the maintenance of the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
The two sides note that growing economic ties and trade between China and the UK are not only of mutual benefit, but also serve to enhance overall cooperation and understanding. They agree on the need to put new energy into the bilateral economic relationship and trade through enhanced business promotion activities and improved market access, matching the skills and needs of the two economies. They agree to take positive measures to expand bilateral trade and investment. They note with satisfaction both the launch of the restyled China Britain Business Council and the continued high level of UK investment in China.
Both sides reaffirm their commitment to continue working for China's entry to the World Trade Organization on terms which will reinforce the world trade system and on the principle of balancing rights and obligations. Both sides agree to explore options for practical cooperation in support of this.
The two sides note the growing global interdependence of national economies and financial structures. In this context, they will strengthen the China-UK Financial Dialogue, conduct regular exchanges on strategic economic and financial issues and foster wider regional and global discussion of these issues, with the aim of ensuring a stable environment for development.
While recognizing that the social and economic context in the two countries is different, both sides are committed to meeting the continuing challenges of modernization. Through an expanding program of development cooperation, they will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the following areas: the development and restructuring of state-owned enterprises; the provision of training and small business creation for unemployed workers; the provision of financial sector training, including in the field of regulation; poverty elimination and promotion of development of the interior provinces.
Both sides note the vital importance of protecting the environment at the national and global levels and, in particular, addressing the issue of climate change. They agree that the developed countries have a responsibility to set an example in this area. At the same time, it is noted with appreciation that China is intensifying efforts to address the environmental challenges it faces. China and the UK also share concerns about more local environmental issues, particularly in relation to water resources.
Both sides agree to strengthen environmental cooperation. This will embrace practical cooperation, including scientific exchanges as well as informal dialogue. Both sides agree that the UK should work particularly closely with China as a partner country. Future China-UK cooperation on the environment will build on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 1998.
The two sides will strengthen and expand their political and military dialogue. In addition to annual senior official level talks, they will pursue a program of senior military visits, including ministerial-level exchanges.
Both sides welcome the development of practical exchanges between police forces in China and in the UK, which have served to promote the interests of justice and to protect the victims of crime. China and the UK will work to strengthen cooperation aimed at tackling international crime.
The two sides note with satisfaction the growing range and volume of contacts between the Chinese and British people. They will work to increase the number of focused parliamentary, academic, scientific and professional exchanges.
Both sides believe that the China-UK Forum, launched by the two Heads of Governments, will play an important part in providing a clear focus for non-governmental high level contacts between China and the UK and ensuring that the development of such contacts contributes positively to the overall bilateral relationship.
Both sides note that cultural and artistic contacts will help to strengthen understanding and awareness between China and the UK and to provide a positive atmosphere for bilateral cooperation. They welcome the Britain in China initiative as a means of promoting cultural as well as commercial activities. They will explore options and ways to further expand the above-mentioned exchanges and cooperation in both countries. They welcome the China-UK sports authorities' protocol providing for practical cooperation. They note the value of sporting links in building bridges between the two countries, and particularly between their young people.
The two sides welcome the positive progress of Asia-Europe cooperation in recent years and the establishment of a long-term stable and constructive China-Europe partnership oriented toward the 21st century. The establishment of friendly relations of equality and mutual benefit between Asia and Europe and between China and Europe are not only the interests of the two sides but also the interests of world peace and stability. The two sides consider that increased bilateral political consultations, including dialogue on human rights, help to broaden mutual understanding. They welcome the resumption of human rights dialogue between China and the European Union and the commencement of such dialogue between China and the UK in 1997. Despite the differences between them, the two sides note the achievements in these processes so far, both in practical progress and enhanced mutual understanding. They agree to continue their constructive dialogue and to conduct judicial exchanges and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
The two sides stress their commitment to non-proliferation, and full support for Security Council Resolution No. 1172. As parties to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention, the two countries will continue their commitment to the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery vehicles, and will step up bilateral and international cooperation to this end. The two sides are ready to make continued efforts to bring about universal accession to and effective compliance with the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. They support the efforts to strengthen the efficacy of the Biological Weapons Convention and express opposition to the weaponization of outer space.
The two sides agree that the above statement should form the framework for an enhanced, comprehensive China-UK partnership. Both sides look forward to developing to the full the opportunities offered by such a partnership, and to working together to address the shared challenges of the new millennium.
This
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