Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping said he hoped Britain would remain in the European Union, during talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.
"China hopes to see a prosperous Europe, a united European Union," Xi was paraphrased as saying to Cameron during talks on Thursday in a statement issued during his visit to Britain on Friday.
"China hopes Britain will be an important member country of the European Union to be a more positive and constructive element to deepen the development of Sino-European relations," the statement said.
Contacted by AFP, Cameron's office declined to comment.
A Downing Street statement after the talks at Cameron's country residence in Chequers said the two had discussed international issues including Syria and Iran but did not mention the EU.
Cameron has said he will support Britain remaining in the EU in a referendum due to be held by 2017 but only if he manages to negotiate a series of reforms that would increase Britain's powers.
He has not ruled out advocating leaving the 28-country bloc.
The prime minister faces pressure from Eurosceptics inside his own Conservative Party as well as the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) and opinion polls indicate the referendum could be a close vote.
Xi left Britain on Friday after a four-day state visit.
"China hopes to see a prosperous Europe, a united European Union," Xi was paraphrased as saying to Cameron during talks on Thursday in a statement issued during his visit to Britain on Friday.
"China hopes Britain will be an important member country of the European Union to be a more positive and constructive element to deepen the development of Sino-European relations," the statement said.
A Downing Street statement after the talks at Cameron's country residence in Chequers said the two had discussed international issues including Syria and Iran but did not mention the EU.
Advertisement
He has not ruled out advocating leaving the 28-country bloc.
Advertisement
Xi left Britain on Friday after a four-day state visit.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Apple Changes Its App Store Policy In EU After Probe TikTok Withdraws Rewards Feature From 'Lite' Version In France, Spain European Union Approves Humanitarian Aid To India Due To Recent Floods "Trusted Mamata Banerjee But...": Father Of Murdered Doctor To NDTV Fed Up With Stunt Riders, People Throw 2 Scooters Off Bengaluru Flyover Bengaluru Student, Returning From Party, Raped By Biker Who Gave Her Lift MP Staff Selection Board Revises Exam Dates Due To UGC-NET Clash 20-Year Jail For Man Convicted Of Raping His Minor Step Daughter In UP Google Techie Opens Up About Hair Loss Struggles Due To Hard Water Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.