Thursday, 22 October 2015

The Chinese move to London

The Chinese President´s official visit to the United Kingdom has not received a lot of attention in the European media. This is rather surprising. The visit is significant for a number of reasons that go beyond its obvious impact on the UK´s economy. 

Let´s mention some of them. The visit has substantially strengthened the Chinese political and economic interests in Europe, making the UK the preferred launching pad for further Chinese investments in the EU. It has also shown that Beijing believes the UK will remain within the EU. And it is tying the UK´s foreign policy to the Chinese ambitions.


It is true that both countries gain from the closer relationship. However, with time, this is above all a very strategic move by President Xi Jinping. He comes out of it stronger, abroad and at home. 

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