China seeks clarity on Britain's European future

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail CRI, December 20, 2016
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China's State Councilor, Yang Jiechi has arrived in Britain for regular talks, and for a meeting with the Prime Minister, Theresa May, amid uncertainty about the process of Britain leaving the European Union.

China's Foreign Ministry says Yang will co-host the eighth China-Britain strategic dialogue with British Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson. The two will also have discussions on a variety of issues of common concern.

"Facing a complicated international situation and challenges in global governance, it is important for China and Britain, two influential major powers, to further strengthen strategic communication and dialogue," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying.

Britain has been a popular choice for Chinese investment, with many firms seeing it as a springboard for the far larger European Union market.

But those plans could be at risk with concern surrounding what kind of market access Britain will get in the future, given its so-called Brexit vote in June to leave the EU.

Hua said she could not predict whether Brexit would directly come up, but diplomatic sources say China has been seeking clarity from Britain about its plans, and is nervous about what it means for Chinese companies in particular.

"But China's position is very clear. Brexit is an issue between Britain and the EU. We hope that they can appropriately handle the issue via talks and consultation. For China, we believe that Britain is a great country with important international influence. We hope to work together with Britain to further promote the development of relations between China and Britain, strengthen the negotiation and communication in international affairs," Hua said.

British prime minister Theresa May has yet to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which would begin the formal process of leaving the EU, although she has pledged to do so by the end of March. There would then be two years of negotiations before the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

However, her plans for those negotiations have been shrouded in secrecy and businesses and investors fear Britain might seek a "hard Brexit", where controlling immigration takes priority over access to the European single market.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, noted that China is ready to work with Britain on the basis of mutual respect and equality to enhance political mutual trust, deepen cooperation in all areas, and to strengthen coordination on international affairs.

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