Theresa May ‘reaffirms UK’s commitment to strong relations with China’

The prime minister sent a private letter to President Xi of China yesterday in a bid to steady relations after her decision to delay the Hinkley Point power plant caused consternation in Beijing.

The U.K. government declined to comment on the content of the letter, but said Britain’sAsia minister, Alok Sharma, during a three-day visit to China hand delivered the letter from Ms.

“With the role that China has to play on world affairs, on the global economy, on a whole range of worldwide issues, we are going to continue to seek a strong relationship with China, ” she said.

Some of May’s advisers have raised security concerns over China’s role in the nuclear project, arguing it would give Chinese access to computer systems of Britain’s energy production.

Last month, the Chinese government was left miffed after Britain postponed the long-delayed Hinkley Point Project until the autumn season. China’s foreign ministry cited Britain’s envoy, Sharma, as telling Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Britain attached great importance to Sino-British cooperation.

In her correspondence, Ms May said Britain supports China’s hosting of next month’s Group of 20 meeting in the city of Hangzhou, adding that she was looking forward to attending. “A warm welcome and forward-looking approach”. Mr Cameron hailed the agreement as evidence of flourishing ties.

China’s 6 billion pound investment in the Somerset plant was the biggest deal announced during Mr Xi’s state visit to Britain in October past year. The plan would see EDF build two reactors, with partial financial backing from the Chinese state-owned company China General Nuclear Power Corp.

“I hope the United Kingdom will keep its door open to China and that the British government will continue to support Hinkley Point – and come to a decision as soon as possible so that the project can proceed smoothly”.

LONDON (AP) – Prime Minister Theresa May has attempted to allay disquiet about her surprise delay to a Chinese-backed nuclear power plant by reassuring China’s leader that Britain wants strong relations with Beijing.