China Leader Xi Jinping Asks United Kingdom to Stay in the EU

Chinese President Xi Jinping promised "no hard landing" for the world's second largest economy despite its slowdown, during a state visit to Britain focused bolstering business and trade ties. Mr Xi was in Manchester on the final day of a state visit to the UK.

As Prime Minister David Cameron took Chinese President Xi Jinping to Manchester City's ground, Sergio Aguero couldn't resist a photo opportunity.

"I think the British prime minister has a record on putting human rights aside, which is a very bad strategy", said Ai Weiwei, a Chinese artist and dissident.

A Downing Street statement after the talks at Cameron's country residence in Chequers said the two had discussed worldwide issues including Syria and Iran but did not mention the EU.

Strategic topics and big economic and trade deals perhaps were the highlights of the visit, but the visit was an all-around and multi-level one, said Bennett, who is also the deputy chairman of the 48 Group Club, an independent business network committed to promoting positive relations between Britain and China.

China will encourage its enterprises to invest in north England, and it welcomes Britain's decision to be the first major Western country to become a prospective founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Xi said, adding that China also seeks Britain's support in joining the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The two countries signed more than $46 billion in economic agreements during the trip.

China's president Xi Jinping enjoyed fish and chips and a pint of ale at a traditional English pub with David Cameron as stunned regulars looked on.

British Prime Minister David Cameron also praised the president's visit to Britain and this would be a new start to the golden era of China-Britain relations, with the countries' initiative to build a global partnership to tackle the severe challenges of the 21st century.

Tibet activists and other opponents of the Chinese government held demonstrations, where Chinese government supporters, mostly students, were seen chanting simultaneously to drown out the protests.

"We want to be the most open economy in Europe to Chinese investment".

He said "the stronger the relationship between our countries, the more we'll be able to have a serious dialogue". A subsequent thaw began with a number of high-profile visits to China by British emissaries, including Prince William and Chancellor George Osborne, just last month.

Xi's visit, which included an overnight stay and state dinner at Buckingham Palace, comes three years since Cameron's meeting with the Dalai Lama resulted in a diplomatic freeze.

 

As part of a raft of partnership deals, Hainan Airlines was expected to announce its first direct flights from Manchester to China.