Alok Sharma was in Beijing on Monday for his first official visit to China since being appointed UK Minister for Asia, according to news from the UK embassy to China.

Sharma will later travel to Shenzhen and Guangzhou in the South part of China.

He will meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss UK and China's global strategic partnership as the two world powers work together to solve global issues, build economies of the future, and develop our strong trade, investment and people to people links.

According to the UK embassy to China, the UK and China share an interest in a stable and ordered world. Both have been working together on foreign policy challenges such as Syria, DPRK and Afghanistan. Both are enhancing our cooperation on climate change, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and development.

Sharma will also be underlining how the strong UK-China relationship is delivering benefits for the prosperity of both countries. In Beijing, Sharma will meet clean energy experts and companies to discuss projects supported by the UK Government's Prosperity Fund.

In Shenzhen, he will also discuss new energy technologies and investment into the UK with BYD who are already trialing e-buses and electric taxis in London and across Europe.

In Guangzhou, Sharma will open a new VisitBritain office in a key visitor market, meet Chinese business leaders and hold talks with British companies focused on corporate social responsibility.

"The UK's relationship with China is strong, growing and delivering benefits for both countries. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, we are working together to tackle global issues of the 21st century," Sharma says.