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Toh Han Shih

Agencies

China and Britain signed trade deals worth over £14 billion (HK$184 billion) during a visit by Premier Li Keqiang in London, British Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday.
Both sides are seeking to mend ties that were strained when Cameron met the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, in 2012.

Watch: China, Britain announce £14 bn deal
At a joint press conference Cameron said he and Li had reviewed the two countries' relationship, including the part of it concerning Hong Kong.
"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signature of the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, which enshrined our two governments’ commitment to Hong Kong’s prosperity, stability and way of life, in accordance with the ‘one country, two systems’ principle," Cameron said.
Business, not thorny political topics, dominated the visit, with the two sides focusing on potential collaboration in nuclear power, high-speed railways and finance.
In announcing the deals, Cameron said Britain was a "strong and good friend of China and supporter of China's rise". He stressed the importance of the ties to Britain's economic recovery. British energy giant BP said earlier that it would be signing a deal worth around US$20 billion over 20 years with Chinese state-owned firm CNOOC to supply China with liquefied natural gas.
The UK had made significant efforts to improve relations with Beijing since the cooling of relations after Cameron met the Dalai Lama, said Hugo Williamson, managing director of the Risk Resolution Group, a consultancy based in London.
"Cameron now looks to project the UK as China's best friend in the West," he said.
Earlier, a military band played to welcome Li and his wife, Cheng Hong , to Windsor Castle, before Queen Elizabeth greeted the pair in a lavishly decorated drawing room.
The Chinese leader then travelled to central London for a formal inspection of British soldiers and a meeting with Cameron at his office in Downing Street.
Cameron told reporters that he and Li had also discussed terrorism, Iraq and Ukraine, among other topics. He did not directly address China's human rights record, a subject that often raises Beijing's ire.
Around 100 rights activists campaigning for Tibetan independence and other issues staged a colourful protest near Downing Street, fighting for attention with a rival pro-China group. A heavy police presence held the protesters at arms' length, though their chants could be heard as Cameron and Li shook hands and posed for photographers.

Li's meeting with the queen was a significant political gesture because the privilege is typically granted to heads of state. Analysts say China probably pushed for the royal audience, underscoring its increasingly aggressive approach to diplomacy.
Asked about Chinese ambassador Liu Xioming's earlier remark that Britain ranked below Germany and France in terms of China's European ties, Li said at the press conference he had high hopes for Sino-British ties.
"There's an old saying in China that when you are at one mountain you shall sing their local song," Li said. "I am in the UK and I'd say that I hope China-UK relations can become the driving force of China-EU relations."
After the UK, Li will visit Greece later this week.
Associated Press, Agence France-Presse


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Li Keqiang

Royal start for Li Keqiang’s UK trip as China, Britain seal trade deals worth HK$184b

Li Keqiang and David Cameron, who said Britain was a "strong and good friend of China and supporter of China’s rise". Photo: Reuters

David Cameron, the UK prime minister, follows Li Keqiang as he inspects an honour guard during his visit to London. Photo: Bloomberg

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and British Prime Minister David Cameron arrive together at Downing Street for a meeting in London. Photo: AFP

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II meets Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at Windsor Castle on the first day of a three day visit to Britain. Photo: AFP

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron (left) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (right) hold a plenary session in Number 10 Downing Street in London. Photo: Reuters

Britain's Queen Elizabeth receives Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his wife Cheng Hong at Windsor Castle. Photo: Reuters

British Prime Minister David Cameron shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang outside number 10 Downing Street. Photo: AFP

Britain's Queen Elizabeth receives Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (4th L) and his wife Cheng Hong (3rd L) at Windsor Castle.

Pro-Tibet supporters protest wearing masks depicting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang ahead of the arrival of the Chinese premier for a meeting at Downing Street in London. Photo: AFP

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (left) speaks with Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron during a news conference at the Foreign Office in London. Photo: Reuters

Chinese students and supporters of Li Keqiang hold a puppet depicting a dragon and wave their national flags as they gather for a counter-demonstration against a protest against the leader in central London. Photo: AP

Britain eases visa access for Chinese visitors as Premier Li Keqiang arrives in London

Britain hopes to attract more Chinese visitors. Photo: Reuters

Chinese shoppers are the world’s biggest spenders on luxury goods by nationality but do two-thirds of their luxury spending abroad. Photo: Reuters

Premier Li Keqiang urges Scotland to remain part of the UK

Premier Li Keqiang (right) with British Prime Minister David Cameron at their meeting in London on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

News

China

Strictly business for Cameron and Li, with politics kept off the table


China and Britain signed trade deals worth over £14 billion (HK$184 billion) during a visit by Premier Li Keqiang in London, British Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday.


Royal start for Li Keqiang’s UK trip as China, Britain seal trade deals worth HK$184b

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Strictly business for Cameron and Li, with politics kept off the table

Strictly business for Cameron and Li, with politics kept off the table