China’s Xi Jinping Tuesday has urged UK Prince Minister Andy Burnham during a phone call to ‘fully protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese investors’ in the UK following a row over British Steel.
It is their first phone call since Burnham took office as Prime Minister.
The Chinese President said their two countries should ‘respect and trust each other,’ after China hit out at the Government’s recent nationalisation of British Steel, which was previously owned by China’s Jingye Group.
Beijing previously said it was ‘strongly dissatisfied’ with the decision, while Jingye Group has demanded compensation.
In a readout of Xi’s call with Burnham, from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese President said, ‘Despite having different social systems and national conditions, China and the UK have more common interests than disagreements.
‘The two sides should respect and trust each other, rise above disagreements, find common ground, and broaden the agenda of mutually beneficial cooperation.
‘With a shared commitment to growing the economy and improving living standards, the two governments can complement and reinforce each other’s efforts.’
Xi is also said to have told Mr Burnham that their two countries ‘should keep an open and forward-looking mind and strengthen exchanges and cooperation across the full spectrum of bilateral relations’.
‘It is hoped that the UK will fully protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese investors,’ the readout added.
According to Downing Street, Prime Minister Burnham engaged constructively but also raised difficult topics, including domestic security, human rights, Hong Kong, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
