Boris Johnson’s Brexit focus could boost China trade ties as he takes over role of British prime minister, observers say
- Johnson’s first speech outside 10 Downing Street focuses on his determination to lead Britain out of the EU, not the China ‘threat’
- Declaration of interest in the Belt and Road Initiative is seen as encouraging news for Beijing
New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s vow on Wednesday to lead the country out of the European Union by October 31 could limit the country’s long-term economic options in Europe but ultimately build stronger trade relations with China and the US, observers said.
In his first speech outside No 10 Downing Street, Johnson, who won the race to be the Conservative Party’s leader and succeed Theresa May as prime minister, made no mention about the geopolitical threats said to be facing Europe, specifically from Russia and China.
Instead, he stressed his intention to make Britain’s exit from the EU a reality.
“I say to all the doubters: ‘Dude, we are going to energise the country, we are going to get Brexit done’,” he said.
The new leader’s decision to keep foreign policy focused on Brussels will surely please China’s leadership, which is already grappling with increasingly hawkish attitudes towards China in Washington and, at times, the European Union.