Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
On the day that US President Donald Trump arrives in London for talks with Prime Minister Theresa May, the Chinese Ambassador to the UK accused Washington of “posing a severe challenge to world economic order.”
Speaking to a business audience at a Thomson Reuters Belt and Road event, held in London this morning, HE Ambassador Liu Xiaoming hit out at current US trade policy.
“The United States is provoking a “trade war” around the world, posing a severe challenge to world economic order and the multi-lateral trade regime,” he said.
However, the Ambassador emphasised the importance of cooperation between London and Beijing in remarks clearly aimed at building support among UK business stakeholders.
“Both China and the UK uphold economic globalisation and trade liberalisation. It is important that we stand together against protectionism.
“In this coming November, China will host the first International Import Expo. This will be an important measure to further open up China’s market to the world. We welcome the UK to the Expo as a Guest of Honor and I hope the UK will contribute its part to an open world economy.”
Ambassador Xiaoming’s comments came as Beijing called upon US companies to lobby Washington over its protectionist policies.
According to Reuters, Beijing said foreign firms operating in China would suffer in a trade war, urging US companies to lobby their government to protect their interests.
“We hope US firms can do more to lobby the U.S. government, and work hard to defend their own interests,” Chinese commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng told a media briefing.
He added that no talks to end the impasse were currently underway.
