The British government expects its relationship with China to become greater this year after what it described as a "golden" year for the Britain-China ties in 2015.

Speaking before a gathering of about 100 representatives from Britain and China during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year in London, British Prime Minister David Cameron expressed confidence that the relationship between the two nations will further expand in the Year of the Monkey.

Like Us on Facebook

"If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want a thousand years of prosperity, grow relationships between people and people," said Cameron, quoting a popular Chinese saying to describe the relations between China and Britain.

According to the British Prime Minister, Britain took up about 30 percent of China's total investment in Europe, with Britain also China's second largest exporter in Europe.

The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Britain last year also led to deals worth around GBP40 billion (US$57.7 billion), aside from forging a golden era of bilateral relationship.

Cameron added that China and Britain are working closely in areas of trade, infrastructure, investment, and education, among others.

"I think education is an area we can take to an even higher level. Many Chinese students are studying in Britain. I would like to see more British students take the opportunities to go and study in China. I think there is a huge opportunity in the years ahead," he said.

Aside from discussing the relationship between Britain and China during the gathering at his office in London, the British Prime Minister also greeted the Chinese people a happy new year.

Britain and China last year issued joint declaration covering a wide range of priorities in building a "global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st Century."

The two sides pledged joint efforts in fields ranging from RMB internationalization and China-EU free trade to cyber security and climate change, according to the declaration released on the occasion of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain. 

TagsChina-Britain Relationship, China-Britain Ties