China, Britain on 'winning course': Premier Li

LONDON - Britain is an "important partner" of China and the two countries boast many areas for win-win cooperation, says Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

"The United Kingdom is a great country and an important partner of China," Li said in an article published in British newspaper The Times on Monday.

The premier is to arrive later in the day for an official visit, which he said has a threefold purpose, with the first being "to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in various fields and thus spur the growth of our respective economies."

Li arrives in Britain for official visit

Top 10 trading partners of the Chinese mainland

"Second, to present the real China so as to change misperceptions and ease misgivings; and third, to draw on British perspectives and experience," Li added.

Britain, he noted, has a strong economy, a dynamic financial sector and advanced science and technologies, and leads the world in energy conservation and environmental protection.

China, for its part, has a huge market, large foreign exchange reserves and a competitive manufacturing sector, Li said, pointing out that the complementary strengths of the two countries mean they have many areas for collaboration.

"We look forward to stronger cooperation in finance, infrastructure construction, among others, and more robust exchanges in research, education, and culture," Li said. "We look forward to win-win engagements."

Noting that war-weary humankind has realized the paramount value of peace and that in today's globalized environment nations can develop together in a peaceful manner, he stressed that the world needs to be steadfast in addressing challenges and differences through dialogue and consultation.

"Nothing can make us turn our back on peace," said the Chinese premier.

As a beneficiary and a contributor to peace and as a major country on the world stage, China will "dedicate itself to securing peace and cooperation," he pledged.