(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-01-18 07:36

First, the exhibition of the terra cotta warriors from Xi'an, China opened at the British Museum in September last year and will run until April this year. And now, CHINA NOW, the largest festival of Chinese culture in Britain, will be launched next month and run until the Beijing Olympics in August.

These events are supposed to give Britons a whole picture of China - its past and the very best of its vibrant and dynamic present.

For British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who kicks off its China trip today, a tea party with about 20 Chinese students, sports people and representatives from Chinese companies at No 10 Downing Street in London on Monday was a warm-up for his trip.

He set the tone for his China visit by saying China-UK relations are "better than ever".

Since the return of Hong Kong to the country, the relationship between China and Britain has been free of thorny problems.

The common challenge the two countries now face is to maintain their sustainable development.

The meeting of the leaders of the two countries is instrumental in keeping the bilateral relations on the right track.

The two countries share a lot in common on many international issues because their leaders have frequent deliberations.

China is at the critical stage of its industrialization. Britain, the first country to initiate industrialization in the world, can be a very good reference for China. The development of China and Britain's economies can benefit each other. Manufacturing dominates China's economy and exports, and Britain is famous for its service industry.

China's priorities in the years ahead are service, education, finance, research and development, and environmental protection. Britain's experience in all these sectors leaves more space for cooperation between them.

As an important financial center of the world, London boasts unique advantages in capital management and financial regulations. Opening its arms to Chinese investors, Britain has turned out to be an important destination for the country's "out-going" strategy.

Brown's three-day visit to China is expected to raise the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.

(China Daily 01/18/2008 page8)