China-UK Ties: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets British PM Theresa May

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has met with British Prime Minister Theresa May at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Our reporter Su Yuting covered the pivotal meeting, and raised questions to both Premier Li and May.

SU YUTING BEIJING "Premier Li Keqiang and British Prime Minister Theresa May discussed a wide range of international and regional issues. These include the Korean Peninsula situation, climate change, bilateral trade and investment, and global economic governance."

May is accompanied by leaders of 50 British businesses and commercial organizations. The two sides agreed to take their mutually-beneficial cooperation to a new level across various sectors under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

During a press conference jointly held by Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Theresa May, I raised two questions to both of them.

Q1: I understand a series of cooperation agreements have been signed during the visit, showing the bright prospects of our business ties. And at the same time, we are also witnessing rise in protectionism and isolationism. So I want to ask what measures will China and UK take to boost globalization and free trade, and what roles do you think the two countries can play?

Q2: Brexit, to be honest, is not just an issue for the British public, but for the Chinese people. Certain British media said that China may become the best partner for the UK after Brexit. So in the context of Brexit, how do you see the perspectives for the UK's cooperation with China?

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "Prime Minister May and I have co-chaired the new round of Prime ministers' meeting. The first thing we talked about is that we will work together to uphold free trade while advancing globalization. It's essential for the two sides to send out a strong message that China and the UK are making efforts in boosting economic globalization and fighting against protectionism."

Theresa May said she is seeking a major economic partner for post-Brexit Britain, and looking to reign in the "golden era" between UK and China.

THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "In terms of the future for the relationship between the UK and China when we leave the European Union, we've today agreed this joint trade investment review, which I think it's a good step looking towards what our future relationship can be."

SU YUTING BEIJING "China and the UK also agreed to strengthen cooperation. China and the UK are permanent members of the UN Security Council and important G20 members, that will be beneficial not only for the two countries, but also for world peace and development. Su Yuting, CGTN, Beijing."