As the US-China trade war continues to intensify, Jeremy Hunt is expected to host talks that cover Beijing- London bilateral relations and international issues.
Kira Godovanyuk, a specialist from the Institute of Europe at the Russian Academy of Sciences, in an interview with Sputnik, said that this upcoming meeting is London’s demonstration of the importance of bilateral relations with Beijing.
“Of course, we are talking about discussing the prospects for cooperation between Great Britain and China, under the uncertainty that arose in connection with the withdrawal from the EU, in regard to how to build relations with the US in light of the ongoing trade wars,” Godovanyuk said.
She further said that British enterprises and investors participating in the giant One Belt, One Road initiative might also be affected by the trade war.
“Britain does not simply express support for the Chinese initiative, but wants to participate in its separate sectors. Therefore, in Beijing, the parties will try to continue the discussion on how to promote the golden age in bilateral relations in these turbulent conditions,” the specialist said.
Liu Dian, a specialist at Beijing People’s University, told Sputnik that China always emphasizes the importance of cooperation with the UK in various fields. So it is quite reasonable to say that Jeremy Hunt’s visit will deepen mutual trust, including in the political sphere.
“China and Britain occupy a special place in the current international order; they are supporters of free trade. Therefore, both sides must take responsibility and obligations to work together to maintain a normal international order, build an open economy and oppose protectionism and unilateral measures,” Liu said.
He went on to say that trade frictions between China and the US reflect the US’s distrust of multilateral mechanisms and free trade.
According to Liu, China and the United Kingdom should strengthen strategic links and work together to play a more important role in global governance. “It is obvious that the Sino-British bilateral cooperation within the framework of the ‘one-belt, one-road’ will deepen.”
He went on to say that the project would provide an opportunity to cooperate in energy, finance, transport, high technology and infrastructure. “It will also help advance further development of the global strategic partnership between China and the United Kingdom,” Liu said.
According to the expert, the two countries must continue to strengthen strategic communication, political mutual trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.
The policy of globalizing Great Britain opens new opportunities for Sino-British relations.