On May 18, 2007, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with British Foreign Secretary Margret Beckett in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Yang made positive comments on sound cooperation between China and the United Kingdom in bilateral and multilateral affairs. Yang said this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of ambassadorial-level diplomatic ties between the two countries and the 10th anniversary of the smooth transfer of political power in Hong Kong. China is ready to take this opportunity and work with the UK to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic dialogue and do a good job in the work of the Task Forces. Yang also pledged China would like to deepen bilateral cooperation in priority areas, keep closer communication and coordination in international affairs and properly handle each other's concerns so as to push for China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership.

Beckett said currently UK-China ties have been developing more strongly than any time in the past and both sides have conducted successful dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation in broad areas. The UK government attaches great importance to ties with China and will as always make efforts for the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, she said. Beckett also reiterated her country's adherence to the one-China policy.

When talking about the issue concerning the Sudanese region of Darfur, Yang said dialogue and equal consultations are a correct and effective means to properly settling the issue. Under the current situation, all parties concerned should continue the "double track" strategy, paying equal attention to the political process and the deployment of a peacekeeping mission in Darfur and phase in the Annan Plan. China has always been making efforts for proper settlement of the Darfur issue and is ready to continue working with all parties concerned to push for an early realization of peace and stability in the region.

Beckett said the UK is ready to maintain communication with China on the Darfur issue.

Both sides also exchanged views on such issues as the UN reform, Africa's development, the Iraqi issue, the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and the process of EU integration.

The two foreign ministers also jointly met the press.