Philip Hammond calls China a 'natural partner' as he seeks post-Brexit trade deals
by Tom Phillips in Beijing from on (#2PDBT)
Chancellor tells summit Beijing's vast $990bn infrastructure plan is an 'opportunity to strengthen ties' with China
The chancellor, Philip Hammond, has called for closer economic ties with China as Britain enters a new, post-Brexit era.
Speaking at the start of a summit in Beijing celebrating President Xi Jinping's "Belt and Road initiative", Hammond heaped praise on his hosts and said Britain was a "natural partner" for Beijing as it pushed ahead with a massive infrastructure campaign some call the most ambitious in history.
Related: China's Xi lays out $900bn Silk Road vision amid claims of empire-building
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