Glorious Growth With Extensive Expectation

Sino-British relations have been developed in ups and downs since the Opium War. The peaceful handover of Hong Kong back to China has opened a new page of Sino-British relations. Hence, tremendous achievements have been made through joint efforts made by governments of both countries. Leaders from both countries have emphasized at many occasions the significance of developing Sino-British relations, announced in May 2004 that China and the UK will develop their relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership and identified it as the new start of Sino-UK bilateral relations. Apparently, an accurate knowledge of current situation of Sino-British relations is of utmost value to both sides. In fact, studies on the past, present and future of Sino-British relations are among vital subjects that governments of both countries have paid much attention.This paper examines China-UK ties in all dimensions, plainly analyzing and displaying the fundamental framework of today's Sino-British relations, including their bilateral relations in areas of diplomacy, economy, education, culture, science, technology and military. Based on these, the paper undertakes an in-depth discussion of the mechanisms and activities that both sides have established and participated in all of these areas. The paper endeavors to demonstrate major problems that still exist in these areas of Sino-British relations in spite of the tremendous achievements. The conclusion part stresses that the current Sino-British relations is not comprehensive at all. To develop a comprehensive strategic partnership, both sides of China and the UK should further adjust their diplomatic policies, improve their relations in economy and trade, strengthen their cooperation and dialogue in areas of culture, education, science and technology, and deepen their communication in military area.