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China’s Li congratulates Andy Burnham on becoming Britain’s new prime minister
Li said strengthening dialogue and cooperation between China and the UK will benefit the nations and ‘inject stability into global peace’
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AgenciesPublished: 3:09am, 21 Jul 2026Updated: 4:56am, 21 Jul 2026
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday extended congratulations to Andy Burnham on becoming Britain’s new prime minister.
Strengthening dialogue and cooperation between China and Britain will benefit the two countries and “inject stability into global peace”, Li said in his message, Reuters reported.
“I am willing to work with the prime minister to strengthen exchanges, enhance mutual trust, promote communication and cooperation, and advance the long-term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two countries, Li added.
In his first call to the US president, Burnham assured Donald Trump that London would be committed to defence and security and would help support the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Burnham’s office said in a statement on Monday.
“The prime minister … underlined his commitment to defence and security and said ensuring the security of the UK and its allies was at the top of his agenda,” a Downing Street spokesperson said in a readout of the call, which took place soon after Burnham became prime minister.
“The president then updated on the situation in the Middle East and the prime minister outlined the UK’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country.”
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