Britain's Trade Policy Minister Greg Hands has met Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei, showing that his government attaches importance to Taiwan.

Hands has been in Taiwan since Monday for annual trade talks between Britain and Taiwan.

Media were allowed to cover opening remarks in his meeting with Tsai on Wednesday.

Tsai said she hopes Taiwan and Britain sign a trade pact.

She also expressed hope that Britain can smoothly join the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, and support Taiwan's membership for mutual prosperity and development.

Procedures are underway for Britain to join the TPP.
The country applied for membership before Taiwan.

Hands said, "Our relationship reaches beyond trade and investment."

He added that they both have strong democracies and institutions, and much in common.

China has expressed firm opposition to any public trips to Taiwan by countries with diplomatic ties to China.