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A leading Chinese economist in Britain on Wednesday described Queen Elizabeth II's speech at the State Opening of Parliament as historic in China-Britain relations.
Wu Kegang, CEO of trade promotion organization BCC Link to China made the comment after the Queen made two references in her speech to China.
"It was obviously a very positive speech, being the first time ever reference was made to China in a Queen's speech," Wu told Xinhua.
Wu said the mention of China shows that the Conservative government of Britain and the government of China have both come of age, and are now entering a period of good and positive relations.
"The references in the speech were very promising as far as cooperation with China goes," Wu said.
The queen told members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords that her government looked forward to an enhanced partnership with China and India.
The queen also said she and her husband, Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, were looking forward to welcoming His Excellency the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng, on a state visit to Britain in October.
Xi is likely to be the first head of state to personally congratulate the queen on becoming the longest serving monarch in British history. On Sept. 9, the queen will surpass the current longest reign of her great, great grandmother Queen Victoria, who was on the British throne for 67 years and 216 days.
Wu said the state visit by the Chinese president will create even stronger and more stable links with the UK. "It is also setting the right tone at the right moment for both countries."
Wu noted that recently he was discussing with a group from China about their concerns should Britain leave the European Union (EU).
"My view as an economist is it won't affect trade relationships with China at all. Britain would remain as a trading nation with Europe even if the country leaves the EU," he said.
Also describing the Queen's speech as great news for British-Chinese relations was accountant Julia Jian who lives in Manchester. Formerly employed at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, she used to work with companies involved in business relationships between the two countries.
"Business links between the two countries are getting better all of the time, and it has become a win-win situation for both sides," Jian said, noting that in the time she has been in Britain the links have improved.
The Queen's speech referred to the proposed national referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, and also set out the proposed legislative program by the Conservative government for the coming session of the Parliament.
Although the speech focused mostly on domestic issues, commentators on international issues will view the queen's references to the rapidly developing economies of China and India as a signal that Britain is determined to remain as a global trading nation, whether the country stays in or leaves the EU. Enditem
