Election will not affect Sino-British trade ties: British experts

The 2015 Britain General Election, which is the hardest one to predict in the past decades, took place on Thursday. British experts told Xinhua that no matter what the result might be, the election will not affect China-Britain economic and trade relationship in the future.

Simon Hix, professor of European and Comparative Politics in London School of Economics and Political Science, said the election will not affect China-Britain economic and trade relationship no matter which party will come to power.

Quentin Peel, senior mercator fellow of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), also said that foreign policy is not a very big dividing line between the conservative party and the labor party. "Any British government want to see a good and close relationship with Chinese government."

Stephen Perry, chairman of the Britain-based 48 Group Club, told Xinhua in a recent interview that the two big parties both have positive attitudes towards China.

The Conservatives are showing signs of supporting a "special economic relationship" with China, said Perry.

"The Conservatives are very positive about the City of London as a global financial center and see RMB as a key part of that profile. Meanwhile, I think China wants to expand RMB," Perry added.

The British expert believed RMB could play an important role in Sino-British economic and trade relations, which would also be a good step for China.

"The Conservatives also see opportunities for China to help with major infrastructure projects, and investments in many areas of the UK, as well as property and companies whose businesses can be built up in the Chinese market," he continued.

About the Labor Party, Perry noted the party also has a very positive attitude to China. "It was clear from the last Labor Prime Minister Gordon Brown and can be expected to continue."

"The Labor Government is more supportive of building British manufacturing and service industries with China and all emerging and developing economies," said Perry.

But he mentioned it might take some time for Labor party to learn the situation and develop policies if it came to power. "That is the usual way," he added.

He was optimistic about China-Britain economic and trade relationship in the future, expecting the two countries to cooperate in several key industries, like HS2, nuclear, green economy and so on. Enditem