UK removes China from Sizewell nuclear project, as ties with Beijing sour
- The news that China General Nuclear has been dropped follows PM Sunak’s warning of the end of a ‘golden era’ in the UK’s relationship with the Asian superpower
- The announcement also comes amid a brewing diplomatic storm over the arrest and alleged assault of a BBC journalist covering zero-Covid protests in China
Britain on Tuesday removed China General Nuclear from construction of its new Sizewell C power station, announcing it would take a joint stake alongside French partner EDF as relations sour with Beijing.
The CGN announcement came after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned the “golden era” of UK-China links was “over” and said the Asian giant posed a “systemic challenge” to UK interests and values.
Tuesday’s news also comes amid a brewing diplomatic storm over the arrest and alleged assault of a BBC journalist covering the widespread protests against Covid restrictions that have arisen in China.
Sunak’s Conservative government is stripping CGN of its controversial 20 per cent Sizewell stake, and forming a joint venture with EDF.
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The UK will invest £700 million (US$843 million) in the project, a figure that was matched by EDF.