Could we see more military co-operation between UK and China?

Earlier this week, a meeting was held at the Chinese Embassy between senior UK and Chinese military officers.

Ambassador Liu Xiaoming [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Ambassador Liu Xiaoming met with General Sir Christopher Deverell, Commander of the UK's Joint Forces Command, at the embassy. Major General Su Guanghui, Defense Attaché of the Embassy, and Brigadier General Simon Levey, Foreign Liaison at the UK's Ministry of Defense were present.

The two sides exchanged views on China-UK relations, especially military ties, and other international issues of common concern.

According to the Chinese Embassy, Ambassador Liu said that China-UK military-to-military relationship is a key part of bilateral relations. The Ambassador said that China is willing to work with Britain to tap the potential for cooperation and to expand the areas and increase the forms of cooperation so as to push the bilateral military-to-military ties to a new level and contribute more "golden fruits" to the China-UK "Golden Era".

General Deverell was said to have extended his congratulations on the 90th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and said that the UK attaches great importance to the military-to-military relations with China. In recent years, the two sides have had strong cooperation in non-combat operations such as UN peacekeeping and counter-piracy, making important contributions to safeguarding international security.

The General went on to say that he was looking forward to visiting China and learning more about the Chinese military.