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China to deepen UK links post Brexit, trade deal talks to start within weeks

CHINA is opening its doors to free trade with Britain in the wake of the Bruit referendum with UK Finance Minister Philip Hammond set to negotiate a deal within weeks.

Mr Hammond will meet with one of the country's vice premiers at an event in London next month forging stronger trade ties with the economic powerhouse.

China's ambassador Liu Xiaoming to the UK said last week that "mutual" agreements would benefit both countries, reported the Daily Express.

Said Mr Liu: "High-level mutual visits and dialogues will further promote our co-operation in the fields of business and finance."

Mr Liu added that China would "seize the opportunities when they come along in the wake of June's momentous Brexit vote.

China's warmth towards the UK since Brexit talks began comes on the back of Prime Minister Theresa May and President Xi Jinping's negotiations at last month's G20 summit which saw the pair come close to striking a trade deal.

Mrs May will also visit India next week on a trade mission as she seeks to firm up Britain's international relationships, with formal deals being agreed once Article 50 negotiations have concluded and Britain has officially left the EU.

Trade Minister Lord Price, former Waitrose supermarket chain CEO, is also touring several countries with which the EU has free trade deals to negotiate a continued free trade agreement with Britain once Brexit is finalised.