Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's four day visit to Britain that began on Monday will focus on three main priorities and is expected to tighten bilateral relations and boost economic cooperation.

Li's visit to Britain is timed with the 10^th anniversary of both countries' comprehensive strategic partnership which will "cement China-Britain political trust" and improve bilateral partnership, said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao last week.

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The first purpose of the visit is to rebuild political and economic relations between the two nations, which have been strained since Britain Prime Minister David Cameron visited exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama in May 2012. Beijing opposed Cameron's visit and viewed the action of the Prime Minister as a show of support to Tibet's independence from China.

The second purpose is to "present the real China so as to change misperceptions and ease misgivings and the third is to "draw on British perspectives and experience," Li said on Monday.

Amid Britain's growing concerns over human rights violations in China, Li stressed Beijing's dedication to promote peace and cooperation not just within the country, but across all nations as well.

"Nothing can make us turn our back on peace," he said.

Li, accompanied by a business delegation, is expected to sign at least 40 business deals worth US$30 billion. It is believed that one country's strengths will complement the other's weaknesses.

For instance, China's infrastructure technology construction like the high speed railway is highly beneficial to Britain, while Britain's expertise in financial management will give China the economic boost that it hopes to achieve.

The agreements will cover different sectors that will be mutually advantageous to both countries. These include the education, energy, culture, information, finance and technology sectors.

In an effort to improve trade between the two, Britain's Home Office has announced on Monday the new visa service that will grant Chinese visitors visas within 24 hours, according to an Associated Press report. Britain's strict visa application procedure has been a source of complaint from China's business sector saying that the long process discourages Chinese businesses from entering its market.

Similarly, cultural exchange has been steadily improving. Li noted that to date, 25 Confucius Institutes were established in Britain, making it the leader in Chinese language learning in Europe.

"Culture plays a very important role between every relationship," said Michael bates, Britain's Upper House Deputy Speaker.

Li has already met with Queen Elizabeth II and is expected to see Prime Minister David Cameron later, according to BBC. His delegation is also expected at the China-UK Global Economic Roundtable and the China-UK Financial Forum. Li will also be giving a speech to top British think tanks.

TagsPolitical cooperation, economic cooperation, international relations, Queen Elizabeth II, British Visa, China-UK Global Economic Roundtable, China-UK Financial Forum, david cameron, Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, Wang Chao, Human Rights