Xi Jinping wants Britain to remain a member of the EU.

(Baonghean.vn) - During his visit to the United Kingdom, Chinese President Xi Jinping said he hoped London would remain an important member of a united and prosperous European Union (EU).

In a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on October 23, it said, “China wishes the EU continued prosperity and unity and hopes that the UK, as an important member of the EU, will play a more active and constructive role in promoting closer relations between the EU and China.”

President Xi Jinping met with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Chequers on the evening of October 22nd.

According to a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this statement was based on an idea from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Furthermore, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that China has always viewed the EU as a strategic partner and also Beijing's largest trading partner.

Previously, the British Prime Minister had pledged to hold a referendum on whether Britain should be a member of the EU by the end of 2017.

Reportedly, on the evening of October 22nd, President Xi Jinping held a conversation with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Chequers. This also marks the first official state visit by a Chinese president to the UK since 2005. President Xi Jinping's trip will last three days, from October 20th to 23rd, in the United Kingdom.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Figaro)