Xi Jinping Calls for Deeper UK‑China Tech Ties in First Official Call with New Prime Minister

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping held his first official phone conversation with United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging closer cooperation between the two nations as major technological powers. Xi congratulated Burnham on his recent appointment, noting that shared interests between China and the UK outweigh differences in social systems. He stressed that both sides should respect and trust each other, transcend differences, and seek common ground. The dialogue marks a significant step in the UK’s post‑Brexit engagement strategy and signals China’s willingness to deepen ties with a new British government. While specific areas of collaboration were not detailed, the call sets the stage for future discussions on technology, trade, and investment between the two countries.