On February 1, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in London with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Conservative Party leader David Cameron respectively.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets in London with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on February 1

Speaking at the meeting with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Wen said as the international financial crisis is spreading, his visit to London was to send a message of confidence for Britain and China to join hands in overcoming current difficulties. He noted that the two sides should further explore the potential for cooperation, and guard against trade protectionism, in particular. The premier welcomed British businesses to invest in China, while expressing wishes for Britain to increase exports of goods, technology and equipment to China. On the upcoming G20 summit in April, Wen pledged that China would work together with Britain towards its active achievements.

Blair said the international community highly values China's role and views in dealing with the current financial crisis. Wen's speech at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos has sent a message of confidence in strengthening cooperation and overcoming difficulties, which is what the international community currently need the most, he said. The former British prime minister noted that Britain supports free trade, and is opposed to protectionism in trade. Businesses in the country also wish to further their cooperation with China for mutual benefit.

Both sides also exchanged views on climate change and other issues.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets with Britain's Conservative Party leader David Cameron in London on February 1

During the meeting with Cameron, Wen said that the Conservative Party, as an important force in the British political arena, has made historic contribution to the development of China-Britain relations. China attaches great importance to developing relations with the Conservative Party, and is willing to further inter-party exchanges and improve mutual understanding and cooperation. Wen also briefed on China's policy and measures in dealing with financial crisis, pointing out that China and Britain share broad common interests and a lot of important consensus. Under the current circumstances, it's imperative for the two sides to adhere to fair and open trade in resolving issues arising from the international financial system. Enhanced Sino-British cooperation is conducive to both sides, as well as the world at large.

Cameron said his party and himself adhered to the one-China policy and developing relations with China, and would continue to strengthen exchanges and ties. Cameron noted that China has been a responsible country in coping with the financial crisis, and China's policies of expanding domestic demands while keeping its market open have been beneficial to Britain and the world alike. The British market is open to China, he said, expressing hope that the two countries would strengthen coordination and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral areas, and work together in facing the crisis.

On the same day, Wen also visited the Chinese Embassy in the UK. The premier called on the embassy staff, and representatives from overseas Chinese and Chinese students and made dumplings with them.