China Expresses Willingness to Explore Free Trade Deal with Britain, Reports Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s Commerce Ministry expressed an openness to exploring a free trade agreement with Britain on Tuesday.

Following the referendum in June where the UK voted to leave the European Union, Britain has been prompted to reevaluate its global trade relationships, having previously relied on the EU for decades. However, negotiating new agreements may be challenging while the UK’s status with the EU remains uncertain.

British officials have suggested pursuing free trade deals with various countries, including China, India, Canada, and the United States, once the UK officially exits the EU.

During a regular press briefing, Shen Danyang, spokesman for China’s Commerce Ministry, provided a positive response regarding a potential free trade agreement with the UK. He stated, “China is willing to proactively develop trade and business cooperation, has an open attitude toward discussing and signing a free trade agreement with Britain, and is willing to study this with Britain,” though he did not provide further details.

The relationship between the two countries, often referred to as a “golden era,” has faced challenges, particularly following new Prime Minister Theresa May’s recent decision to reassess plans for a significant nuclear power plant project that involves Chinese investment.