China and the United Kingdom successfully began a "golden era" of bilateral relations last year, despite the UK's vote to leave the European Union in June, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming said on Tuesday.

Liu Xiaoming is looking forward to deepening ties with the UK. [China Daily]

At a meeting with Chinese journalists at the Chinese embassy in London, Liu said the leaders of both countries have confirmed a shared willingness to create this golden era, and will continue to push forward global strategic partnership well into this century. The successful UK China Economic and Financial Dialogue, The UK-China High-Level People-to-People Dialogue and China-UK Strategic Dialogue are examples of a good start for this golden era, he said.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of ambassador-level diplomatic relations between the two countries. Liu said he was looking forward to a year of deepening the golden era of UK-China relations.

He said the relationship between China and the UK is at an important point, with potential for significant developments. He said he expected the two countries to maintain cooperation in the energy, infrastructure and financial services sectors and in the creative industries.

The ambassador also stated he wanted to see the two countries further develop collaboration in international affairs to resolve differences of opinions and to create and nurture a healthy relationship.

Contact the writers at cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com