China-Britain relations: Xi lauds Queen Elizabeth on Platinum Jubilee while seeking closer ties with UK

China’s president sent a message to mark the 70th year of the British monarch’s reign, noting she had long cared about the friendship between their nations

It comes as Xi Jinping met the Argentinian president at the weekend and announced support for that country’s full sovereignty over the Falkland Islands

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in 2015, sent a message of congratulations as the queen embarked on celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee. Photo: AP Photo

Published: 9:00pm, 7 Feb 2022Updated: 3:58pm, 8 Feb 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Queen Elizabeth on her Platinum Jubilee on Sunday, while also calling for closer bilateral ties in the face of global challenges.

In his message, Xi said the queen had long cared about and supported friendship between the two countries and was as a witness and promoter of development of bilateral ties.

Queen Elizabeth is the longest-serving British monarch and on Sunday Britain celebrated the 70th anniversary of her rule.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth at Sandringham House on Sunday to mark the start of her Platinum Jubilee Year. Photo: Buckingham Palace via AP

In his message Xi called for China and Britain to take the opportunity this year, on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, “to deepen friendship and mutual trust, expand exchanges and cooperation and work together to promote international solidarity”.

Xi said the two countries could make new contributions to help the international community tackle global challenges and promote world peace, stability, prosperity and development.

The message came a day after China voiced support for Argentina’s territorial claims over the British-run Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina. A joint statement following a meeting between Xi and visiting Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez on Sunday said China supported Argentina’s demand for “the full exercise of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands”.

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London reacted with fury, with Foreign Secretary Liz Truss saying “we completely reject any questions over sovereignty of the Falklands” and calling on China to respect the Falklands’ sovereignty.