Xi Jinping fails to get formal backing from Theresa May on belt and road plan
President calls for respect of ‘core interests’ after UK leader says she hopes the two sides can work together to ensure initiative meets international standards
President Xi Jinping called on China and Britain to show respect for each other’s “core interests” after Beijing failed to get a formal endorsement of its belt and road trade strategy from visiting British Prime Minister Theresa May.
In talks with May on Thursday, Xi also said China and the UK should step up exchanges in areas from military to economic ties, but that the two nations must improve mutual understanding.
“[China and Britain] should respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, and properly handle sensitive issues in a constructive way,” Xi was quoted as saying by state-run broadcaster CCTV, without elaborating.
Xi told May that the “Belt and Road Initiative” would be transparent and open, and implemented in accordance with international rules. The initiative has been touted by Beijing as a modern-day Silk Road aiming to boost trade and infrastructure links with nations from Asia to Africa and Europe.
May had told reporters before she arrived for the three-day visit that she would raise concerns with the Chinese leadership over erosion in Hong Kong of the “one country, two systems” principle, but it was not immediately known if she had broached the politically sensitive issue with Xi.