British Prime Minister Theresa May has begun her three-day visit to China. In a joint briefing with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, May says the UK will explore all options for a future trade relationship. Premier Li says they had in-depth discussions on a wide range of issues, like trade and investment.

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "China-UK relations are going forward and will continue to do so for a very long time. Our relationship will not change with the progression of EU-UK relations. We will have discussions on investment and trade, to ensure our trade relations improve."

THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "We welcome the opportunities provided by the Belt and Road Initiative to further prosperity and sustainable development across Asia and the wider world.  And as with the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, the UK is a natural partner for the Belt and Road Initiative with our unrivaled city of London expertise. And as I've discussed with Premier Li, we've discussed how the UK and China will continue to work together to identify how best we can cooperate on the Belt and Road Initiative across the region and ensure it meets international standards."

Premier Li welcomed her at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. There, they discussed China-UK relations and witnessed the signing of various agreements and trade deals. British officials say May brought with her the largest-ever British trade delegation to China. On Thursday, May will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping before wrapping up her trip in Shanghai on Friday.