China, UK sign multiple agreements in Beijing to strengthen ties, encourage dialogue

China and the UK have reached numerous agreements during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official visit to China.

Starmer arrived in Beijing, the Chinese capital on Wednesday to begin a four-day visit at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, marking the first trip by a British prime minister to China in eight years

The two countries have agreed to establish a China-UK High-Level Climate and Nature Partnership.

The two sides will also resume the China-UK High-Level Security Dialogue. China and the UK will hold a new round of mechanism dialogues this year, including the Strategic Dialogue, the Economic and Financial Dialogue, and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee Meeting. They have also agreed in principle to resume exchanges between their legislative bodies.

Both sides will hold the China-UK Business Council Meeting and agree to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

The two countries have welcomed the establishment of the China-UK Financial Working Group and the convening of its first meeting.

China is also considering implementing a unilateral visa-free policy for British citizens.

China has reduced the import tariff rate on whisky from 10 percent to 5 percent.

China and the UK have also signed 12 intergovernmental cooperation documents in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture and food, culture, market supervision, and law enforcement cooperation. (OUT)

China, UK sign multiple agreements in Beijing to strengthen ties, encourage dialogue

Scenic areas in China have rolled out special nighttime programs to attract tourists and boost consumption.

At Jiayu Pass in northwest China's Gansu Province, the starting point of a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) section of the Great Wall, a performance featuring historical tales and rounds of Chinese classical dances is put up with the assistance of advanced visual effects technology.

For over 600 years, the pass safeguarded diplomats, merchants, and other travelers along the Silk Road. Today, the ancient and once battle-scarred fortress stands as a thriving symbol of civilization.

A nearby scenic spot, which opened this month, also attracts a great number of visitors with various interactive activities.

"There are many traditional folk games, and my friends and I all took part in them. It was truly a rewarding day, with an amazing immersive experience. It's absolutely wonderful," said Zhao Tiantian, a tourist.

In Danjiangkou City of central China's Hubei Province, scenic areas hold concerts and fish lantern parade to treat tourists.

Tourists could also watch performances in vessels while they enjoy a nighttime travel on the Hanjiang River, a major waterway in the city and tributary of the Yangtze River.

Scenic areas stage special programs to boost nighttime economy