Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will visit China this month to promote the growing economic, cultural and educational links between Scotland and the world's second-largest economy. The visit comes as the UK is preparing to leave the European Union next year. CGTN reporter Zhang He sat down with Sturgeon to talk about the China visit and, of course, about Brexit.  

ZHANG HE GLASGOW, UK "Promoting trade is on the top of agenda of your visit to China. In a global context, how do you see the rise of trade protectionism?"

NICOLA STURGEON FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND "I don't believe protectionism and trade wars benefit everybody. I think history and experience tell us everybody loses from trade wars. I have some concerns about the recent development between the US and China. My visit is all about the reverse. It is all about how in our mutual interest, we increase the trade between our countries and have all the relationship to do business with each other."

ZHANG HE GLASGOW, UK "Let's talk about Brexit. It is still one year to go before the UK leave the European Union. Are you satisfied with the Brexit talks?"

NICOLA STURGEON FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND "I don't think the Brexit talks are particular satisfactory for anybody. With one year to go, we still don't know what the future will be. But at the moment, we have to focus on making sure we don't see damage done to our economy."

ZHANG HE GLASGOW, UK "What do you think is the biggest obstacle for Brexit negotiation?"

NICOLA STURGEON FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND "The United Kingdom government is trying to reconcile an irreconcilable position. Unfortunately, the division within the conservative party which form the government of the UK right now is the biggest barrier to, not the good comes out of Brexit because I don't believe there is any outcome from Brexit will be as good as remaining in the EU. But that is the barrier to getting the least damaging outcome."