Will Huawei, Hong Kong and China backlash scupper Britain’s post-Brexit free trade dreams?
- A ‘golden era’ of relations between Beijing and London is over, with British politicians across the board calling for a redressing of ties
- Rows have flared over Huawei, Hong Kong and nuclear power
When business grandee Gerry Grimstone was appointed as Britain’s investment minister in March, Chinese diplomats were confident he would help steer economic ties towards a course they desired.
Just three months earlier, Grimstone, the former chairman of Barclays Bank and Heng An Standard Life, had been a star guest at an event hosted by the Chinese embassy in London to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the handover of Macau from Portugal.
Grimstone used the event to slam Hongkongers who were protesting against the government’s proposed extradition bill, which could have seen suspects sent over the border to mainland China for prosecution.
00:51
Britain suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty over national security law
“The social problems that Hong Kong has faced over the last six months are destroying the credibility of Hong Kong. Hong Kong people should ask themselves a question: What is Hong Kong without China?” he said.
“Some external people do not understand that their interventions are only making matters worse,” continued Grimstone, who could have had no idea what the coming months had in store.