Beijing: British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to arrive in China on a three-day visit to attend the 11th China-UK Strategic Dialogue, as announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Cooper has been invited by her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and will be in China until June 3.

According to Anadolu Agency, Cooper's visit follows UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's significant trip to China earlier this year, which was the first by a UK leader since 2018. Chinese experts suggest that Cooper's trip signifies the UK's intention to maintain open communication channels with major powers like China amid global uncertainties, while also building on the progress made during Starmer's visit.

The UK was the first major Western country to recognize China in 1950, and the two nations elevated their relationship to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership' in May 2004. The bilateral trade volume between the two countries reached $98.36 billion in 2024. The UK and China have established various high-level exchange mechanisms, including the Annual Prime Minister's Meeting, Economic and Financial Dialogue, Strategic Dialogue, and High-Level People-to-People Dialogue.