Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addresses the opening ceremony of the annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, in China's northern coastal city of Tianjin, on June 27, 2016. This year's meeting carries the theme: "The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Its Transformational Impact." [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

TIANJIN, June 27 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Monday that China is committed to maintaining and developing relations between China and the European Union (EU) as well as relations between China and the United Kingdom.

Europe is an important partner of China, and China expects not only a solidary and stable EU, but also a stable and prosperous UK, the premier said while addressing the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2016, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, in the northern port city Tianjin.

Speaking to business leaders, policymakers and academics from more than 90 countries, Li said that world economic recovery still falls short of expectations eight years after the financial crisis.

He said Brexit has had an effect on global financial markets, and the world economy is facing increasing uncertainty.

No country can talk about its own development without talking about the world economic environment, the premier said, stressing concerted efforts to tackle challenges.

He proposed structural reform, industrial upgrades and efficient global governance as ways to drive the world economic recovery.