China's Wang Yi hopes UK can 'eliminate unnecessary interference' in relations

Foreign Minister James Cleverly is the first senior British minister in five years to visit China, aiming to reset Sino-British relations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his British counterpart James Cleverly that Sino-British relations can "eliminate all unnecessary interference" if both countries "adhere to mutual respect", during a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.

"I believe that as long as both sides adhere to mutual respect, equal treatment, view each other's development objectively, and enhance mutual understanding and trust, Sino-British relations will be able to eliminate all unnecessary interference and obstacles," Wang said during the meeting's opening remarks in front of reporters.

Cleverly is the first senior British minister in five years to visit China, a trip aimed at resetting ties between the two countries after years of tension over security, investment and human rights concerns.