Johnson wants to strengthen ties with China, despite his party’s refusal

The United Kingdom is seeking to strengthen its economic and trade ties with China, according to the “Al-Hurra” website quoted from the British “Guardian”, after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his interest and admiration for Chinese culture.
Johnson says he is determined to improve relations between Britain and China “whatever the political difficulties”.

The prime minister’s comments, during a meeting with representatives of Chinese companies in London, are likely to anger his conservative party MPs, who want the government to take a tougher approach against Beijing’s human rights violation.

Johnson indicated that he wanted to “resume official trade discussions between the two countries by reactivating the annual economic and financial forum and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee” after teaching them in response to China’s suppression of civil rights in Hong Kong.

Johnson’s “enthusiasm” to rebuild trade ties with China comes as human rights advocates demand a new approach.

The United Kingdom suspended most formal economic dialogues with China in the past year after Beijing imposed new “repressive laws” in Hong Kong.

Sources close to Johnson suggest that he is “ready” to sign new investment agreements and open markets with China, according to the newspaper.

Office for National Statistics figures show that the United Kingdom imported 11 billion pounds ($ 15.4 billion) of goods from China, more than any other trading partner in the second quarter of 2020. In the first quarter, China was the UK’s largest supplier of goods.