A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry has said Beijing is willing to work closely with the United Kingdom to promote the continued development of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to confirm reports that UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper would visit China in early June.

China and the UK are both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major economies, Guo said, adding that developing a long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership is an objective the leaders of the two countries have agreed to pursue.