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A UK-China alliance as a solution to Brexit and new US-led cold war? That may be something Theresa May and Xi Jinping can drink to. Photo: Bloomberg
OpinionLetters

Letters | Two reasons why China and the UK are about to draw closer: Brexit and US trade war

  • The two March deadlines are more than a coincidence – both Britain and Beijing need allies right now
Brexit
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Tim Collard is certainly right to point out that China is essential to the UK’s future (“EU and China: please bear with Britain while it sorts itself out”, February 18).
Since Donald Trump became US president two years ago, the elements of integration and disintegration have begun to affect the world at an accelerated rate. Britain has to face a difficult decision in March with the impending Brexit showdown. Coincidentally, March is the deadline for the US-China talks. These two issues are interacting amid changing geopolitical factors. Brexit has drawn the UK and China closer, as Britain may have to face hostile continental neighbours. On the other hand, Beijing has to look for a stronghold in Europe to break the “containment” and boycott of the West. And Britain claims it can mitigate the bad effects of Huawei.

Hence, it is a golden opportunity for the two countries to cement ties – since they need each other in times of despair. So, Brexit may prove a blessing for Britain.

Ironically, the US and Britain have been traditionally friendly but their special relations have been diluted and even dissipated in recent years. Before the UK joined the European Economic Community in the early 1970s, Europe regarded it as a “Trojan horse”, entering with a hidden agenda. But now this Trojan horse is withdrawing from the union at any cost.

Huawei approval by UK could sway more European states against US, analysts say

I believe Britain will play a very significant role in the trade war against the West, because it is the biggest cracking point in the Western front. Once Britain is on the Chinese side, other countries will follow. The Western boycott and restrictions will be lifted. It is certainly right to quote the famous diplomatic saying, “There is no permanent friend or permanent enemy”. Let me dedicate a song to Donald Trump: “Changing Partners”, by Patti Page. Britain’s move to join the Chinese 5G manufacturers is pivotal and the UK-China alliance will determine the success and the future of the nations of the world.

Lo Wai Kong, Yau Ma Tei

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