China key as Britain looks to find its place in a post-Brexit world
It is obvious that if Britain is to carve out a new role in the world as it looks to a future beyond the European Union, its best hope lies in strengthening and deepening ties with China
China and Britain have much to offer one another, so Prime Minister Theresa May’s three-day visit last week should have moved their much-hyped “golden era” of relations resolutely forward.
The largest-ever trade delegation that accompanied the leader certainly gave that impression and the US$12.75 billion in deals sealed on top of joint cooperation agreements proved a willingness to work together.
But improving links is not so straightforward, as the lack of an endorsement of President Xi Jinping’s showpiece “Belt and Road Initiative” revealed.
For all the uncertainty, risks and lack of trust though, it is obvious that if Britain is to carve out a new role in the world as it looks to a future beyond the European Union, its best hope lies in strengthening and deepening Chinese ties.
Xi and Premier Li Keqiang offered May every opportunity, promising to open China’s door “wider and wider” to Britain. Among the deals struck was an agreement to work together on the Xiongan New Area, a hi-tech special economic zone near Beijing.