Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and British Prime Minister Theresa May (Photo:Getty Image)

At a reception for May in Beijing, Xi said peace, development and win-win cooperation have become the mainstream of the times. Both countries need to respond to the needs of their respective development stage and bilateral cooperation, and add new meanings to the bilateral ties so as to forge a relationship for the "Golden Era," Xi said.

May said she believes her China visit will boost the UK-China strategic partnership. The leaders agreed to evaluate their investment and trade, as a first step in forming a bilateral trade agreement after Brexit. This is May's first official visit to China since she took office in 2016.