British Prime Minister Theresa May has ambitious partnership plans for China, diplomat says
Leaving the European Union will allow London to make its own decisions on trade and investment deals with Beijing, ambassador says ahead of leader’s trip
Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May will look to build a “more ambitious” trading relationship with China after its departure from the European Union, the British ambassador to China said on Monday ahead of the leader’s three-day visit.
May will start her long-delayed trip on Wednesday in the central city of Wuhan, before meeting China’s top leaders in Beijing and travelling with a business delegation to Shanghai, said Barbara Woodward, Britain’s top envoy in the country.
“One of the things the prime minister will be focusing on this visit is looking at the scope to work with China, as China opens up its markets, to move towards a more ambitious trading relationship with China,” Woodward told reporters.
With Britain expected to leave the EU in March next year, May’s cabinet has expressed its interest in exploring free-trade agreements with China, although negotiations cannot begin until the split has been finalised.
“Obviously Brexit means that the UK will be free to make its own decisions about trade and investment partnerships,” Woodward said.
