Britain has made 'visionary' choice to become China's best friend, says Xi

On the eve of his first state visit to the UK, the Chinese president speaks in glowing terms about the prospect of closer ties between London and Beijing

Chinese president Xi Jinping praised Britain's "visionary and strategic choice" to become Beijing's best friend in the west as he prepared to jet off on his first state visit to the UK, taking with him billions of pounds of planned investment.

The trip, Xi's first to Britain in more than two decades, has been hailed by British and Chinese officials as the start of a "golden era" of relations which the Treasury hopes will make China Britain's second biggest trade partner within 10 years.

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