Brexit bringing Beijing and London together
Britain’s decision to leave the EU is making its free-trade talks with China a priority, observers says
Britain is expected to speed up negotiations on free-trade agreements with nations including China to alleviate anxiety over its economy and gain more leverage in Europe after leaving the European Union, observers said.
British Prime Minister Theresa May vowed on Tuesday that the country would leave the EU’s single market to restrict immigration in a “hard exit” from the bloc, triggering dismay among those who fear the impact it will have on Britain’s economy.
In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said China hoped a mutually beneficial agreement could be reached between Britain and the EU.
“Our stand on the EU is consistent, that we support Europe’s integration. We also value Britain’s place and role, and are willing to continue enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation with the UK,” she said on Wednesday.
In setting out her 12 objectives for Brexit, May vowed to make Britain a stronger, fairer and truly global country.
She said her vision of the nation’s exit from the EU would not be “half in, half out”, and that Britain could not remain a full member of its tariff-free zone but would seek unfettered trade with the bloc.
