New book on Sino-UK ties cites major 'breakthroughs'

Relations between China and the United Kingdom have achieved major "breakthroughs" in trade, investment, finance and cultural exchanges in the past year.

Closer ties between Beijing and London have been forged since last year, according to a new book, which was released on Thursday, ahead of President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UK next week.

"Bilateral relations have achieved new progress strategically, pragmatically and demonstratively, on the basis of overcoming existing hindrances," said The Blue Book of the United Kingdom.