David Cameron dismisses risk of rift with US over China

Prime minister says state visit of Xi Jinping and 'golden era' between two nations will not harm transatlantic special relationship

David Cameron has insisted that the UK's new "golden era" with China will not harm the special relationship with the US, as he prepares to roll out the red carpet for a historic state visit by the country's president, Xi Jinping this week.

Xi's first official visit to London, beginning on Tuesday, is expected to be marked by protests by activists against human rights abuses, and concerns that the UK is jeopardising national security by allowing Chinese state companies to invest in British nuclear power plants. His state visit to the US in September was marked by tensions over security, and a threat by Barack Obama to pursue sanctions against Chinese entities carrying out a series of cyberattacks.