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Former UK Business Chief Urges Stronger Trade Ties with China

The UK’s former business chief, Adair Turner, has called for stronger economic and trade ties between the United Kingdom and China. His comments come as Britain’s Foreign Minister David Lammy visits Beijing for a two-day trip, aiming to boost global trade relations in the post-Brexit era.

Ahead of the visit, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with the UK, stating: “China is ready to work with the UK as a partner, to adhere to openness and cooperation, to promote mutual benefit and win-win results, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-UK relations.”

Relations between the two countries have faced challenges in recent years, particularly regarding policy areas including Hong Kong and Taiwan. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the UK will seek to “cooperate” on issues such as net zero emissions and “compete” where interests differ.

Adair Turner, former chair of the Financial Services Authority and director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, currently serving in the UK’s House of Lords, emphasized the importance of maintaining economic relations with China despite geopolitical tensions.

“We live in a world of very significant geopolitical tensions and disagreements… the world is a much more tricky place than it was maybe 50 years ago,” Turner told CGTN.

“I think it’s very important that we maintain economic relations and in particular on issues to do with climate change, where China has emerged as a hugely important developer of new clean technology,” he added.

Turner highlighted the potential for collaboration in science and technology, particularly in battery technology. “I see no reason why we shouldn’t be cooperating to bring together the best of Chinese and UK science on battery technology, driving through to commercialization both in the UK and China,” he said, describing it as “a technology which can transform our energy systems for the benefit of the whole world.”

Dispute over Tariffs

China is currently engaged in a dispute with the European Union over tariffs on electric car exports, raising concerns that trade tensions could escalate. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has said Europe “wants a level playing field” with China while negotiating mechanisms such as price commitments or EU investments as solutions.

Germany, the EU’s largest economy, which voted against the tariffs, has expressed hope for an agreement by the end of October.

Turner urged the UK to adopt a different approach. Using the example of Chinese-made solar panels, he told CGTN: “I think there may be justified tariffs according to WTO rules, where there are specific forms of subsidy and we all suspect that other countries do that, but they shouldn’t just be aimed to put an end to trade.”

“One of the ways that China became rich was to welcome inward investment from the West. That was when it was behind technologically. I learn from that, and we should be willing to do that in Europe as well,” he added.

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