British PM Theresa May promises ‘frank discussions’ on all issues during China visit
Leader, who will be accompanied by a 50-strong delegation, likely to prioritise trade talks, but North Korea, Brexit also on agenda
British Prime Minister Theresa May promised to hold “frank discussions” with China during a crucial trade visit later this week, with several awkward diplomatic issues like North Korea and Brexit also expected to be discussed.
May will use meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to try to regain momentum in the international race to secure British participation in China’s services sector boom as she seeks a new role for Britain outside the European Union.
Travelling with her husband Philip and a delegation of 50 business leaders, May has to reheat diplomatic ties that have suffered from a perceived coldness since she took power shortly after Britain’s Brexit vote in July 2016.
“My visit will intensify the ‘Golden Era’ in UK-China relations. The depth of our relationship means we can have frank discussions on all issues,” May said in a statement. She is due to depart on Tuesday afternoon.
May has echoed calls by US President Donald Trump for China to press neighbouring North Korea into reining in its nuclear and missile development.
Britain has also previously expressed concern about steel overproduction, human rights abuses and the health of democracy in former British colony Hong Kong.