China‘S Xi Jinping warned today Andy Burnham to ‘protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese investors’ in Britain following a row over British Steel.
In their first phone conversation since Mr Burnham became prime minister, the Chinese president said their two countries “must respect and trust” each other.
It comes after China lashed out over the government’s recent nationalization 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 damages.
In a readout of Xi’s call to Burnham from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Chinese president reportedly urged the prime minister to work together to stimulate economic growth.
“Despite having different social systems and national conditions, China and Britain have more common interests than differences,” the readout said.
“The two sides must respect and trust each other, rise above differences, find common ground and broaden the agenda of mutually beneficial cooperation.
“With a shared commitment to grow the economy and improve living standards, the two governments can complement and strengthen each other’s efforts.”
China’s Xi Jinping today warned Andy Burnham to protect ‘the lawful rights and interests of Chinese investors’ in Britain after a row over British Steel.
In their first phone conversation since Mr Burnham became prime minister, the Chinese president said their two countries “must respect and trust” each other.
It comes after China lashed out over the government’s recent nationalization of British Steel, which was previously owned by China’s Jingye Group.
Mr Xi is also reported to have told Mr Burnham that their two countries should “maintain an open and forward-looking spirit and strengthen exchanges and cooperation across the full spectrum of bilateral relations”.
“It is hoped that Britain will fully protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese investors,” it said.
In Downing Street’s own reading of Burnham’s phone call with Xi, a No 10 spokeswoman said the Prime Minister and the Chinese president “reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between Britain and China.”
“As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies, they discussed the importance of pragmatic cooperation in advancing British and Chinese interests and addressing shared global challenges,” the spokeswoman added.
‘They discussed the opportunities in the relationship between Britain and China, including in terms of economic growth and improving living standards for people in both their countries.
“The Prime Minister said he would engage openly and constructively on issues of interest to both countries, and would raise domestic security, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular matters of particular importance.”
Mr Burnham’s language signaled a continuation of his predecessor Keir Starmer’s approach to China, who pledged to “work together where we can” with the world’s second-largest economy, but “challenge where we must” in areas where there are differences.
During his premiership, Sir Keir sought to reset relations between Britain and China after ties cooled under the previous Tory government.
Sir Keir visited China in January this year, making him the first British Prime Minister to visit the country since Theresa May in 2018, as he pushed for greater economic ties as he battles for growth.
But Labor is under pressure to take a tougher stance on China, including on issues such as the treatment of the Uyghur population and the imprisonment of British national Lai, which Mr Burnham reportedly raised during the talks.
Sir Keir brought British Steel into public ownership in one of his last appearances as Prime Minister in July.
The government said the move was essential to maintain steel production at British Steel’s site in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, to protect both the future of the company and UK supply chains.
British Steel was previously owned by Jingye Group, which planned to close its blast furnaces at Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire.
But Parliament was recalled on a Saturday in April last year to pass special measures legislation to keep the factory open.
Ministers were given new powers to tell the company how it can use and manage its assets, but did not take a stake in the company at the time.
