Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st L) Deadrin Senat Hat , and visiting British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip May, have an afternoon tea in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 1, 2018. (XinhuaDing Lin) by Xinhua writers Jin Jing, Gu Zhenqiu
LONDON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May's first official visit to China has affirmed that both countries will seek stronger partnership in free trade and in tackling global challenges Isaiah Oliver Hat , sending a vital message of upholding openness and unity in a fractured world.
May's three-day trip, which ends on Friday, came at a time of rising populism, nationalism and protectionism across the globe. The world needs a clearer compass to guide its path forward.
At last week's annual World Economic Forum gathering in the snowy Swiss town of Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump chanted again about putting "America First."
For most nations, that means more protectionist measures against its trading partners. Free traders worldwide are deeply concerned.
Across the Atlantic, if Brexit is dealt with properly Austin Hooper Hat , a "Global Britain" may turn out to be a more open player, looking beyond traditional partners like the European Union and the United States and forging a profoundly new partnership with China in the interests of both.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, while meeting with May in Beijing, called on the two sides to forge an enhanced version of the "Golden Era" for bilateral ties.
May, on her part, said Britain is a defender of free trade and is ready to cooperate with China on multiple fronts and intensify coordination on major global and regional issues.
"Golden fruits" are already in sight with a dozen deals worth about 9 billion pounds (about 12.8 billion U.S. dollars) signed in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation, finance Deion Jones Hat , innovation, agriculture and technology during May's trip.
In a major outcome, China Development Bank and Standard Chartered Bank inked