Li's visit to Britain to usher in 'a bright future'

Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Britain will presage "a bright future" between the two countries, Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the UK said.

The visit, Li's first to Britain since he took office and the first by a Chinese premier since 2011, is expected to ink business deals worth a total value of over $30 billion, Liu told press in London on Friday.

"Over 40 agreements between the governments and businesses covering a wide variety of sectors including energy, investment, cultural and educational cooperation," are involved, Liu said.

More than 200 Chinese business leaders joined Li for this visit, which will be from Jun 16 to 19. "Their engagement with their local counterparts will give rise to new and bigger opportunities for both sides," he said.

The visit also "happens at a time when the China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, which gives the visit a unique significance in promoting political mutual trust; revving up partnership on growth, reform and cooperation; and advancing sound and steady bilateral relations on a higher level," Liu said.

As Liu revealed, Li will meet Her Majesty The Queen and have extensive talks with Prime Minister David Cameron, witness the signing of inter-governmental and business agreements and attend the China-UK Global Economic Round-table.

Li will also give a speech to top British think tanks and address a business gala and the China-UK Financial Forum.

In addition to the official functions, Li and his wife also will have tête-à-tête interactions with the Camerons, Liu disclosed.

At the press conference, Liu also pointed out that Beijing had been angered by a "so-called human-rights reports" by a British Foreign Office report in April that listed China as "a country of concern."

"We think this report was biased against China," said the ambassador, adding it had "missed the big picture...I don't think pointing fingers is a good way to enhance mutual understanding."

"Before I came here, we used to say when we'd talk about Europe: Britain, France and Germany," Liu said, adding that "But unfortunately many opportunities were missed in the past year or so -- and we all know the reason behind it -- so people now start talking about Germany, France and Britain."

When it comes to Britain's visa reforms, Liu said it did not go far enough. "I receive complaints from businesses based here. They have difficulties [rotating] their senior executives because of visa restrictions. That made their operations more difficult than they are in other European countries.

"So I think visa issues really erode British strength in terms of attracting more foreign businesses, attracting talented people. So I do wish more progress will be made on this issue," Liu said.

When answering question about cyber security and Edward Snowden's leaks, Liu said, "We all know who is spying, who did the most spying. I also read with interest that the German government is going to file a lawsuit against the Americans for spying on their leader, Chancellor Merkel."

Liu said, "In fact it is one of the subjects of discussion between our leaders and also between the ministers of the two countries – how China and the UK can cooperate to ensure a more safe, healthy, sound cyberspace."