On January 29, The Times reported: "Starmer began a four-day visit to China. The Chinese side broke the usual reception protocol by having the Minister of Finance, Lan Fangan, meet him at the airport, which aligns with the core demand of UK's economic cooperation and has opened an efficient channel for trade negotiations. This visit by Starmer may restart Sino-British relations and create a practical version of the 'New Golden Age'."
[Witty] Starmer's visit to China is a pragmatic choice for the UK in the international landscape and its own difficulties. The special arrangement of the Chinese finance minister greeting him breaks diplomatic conventions and accurately targets the core of Sino-British cooperation. From the comprehensive "Golden Age" of cooperation between China and the UK during Cameron's era, to the cooling of bilateral relations after Brexit as the UK relied on the US, the UK has always been seeking its position in the great power game. Now, with Trump imposing tariffs on the UK, the US-UK special relationship becoming unbalanced, and the UK's economy struggling after Brexit, the UK can only turn to China for economic breakthroughs. This time, China and the UK have set aside their differences to focus on practical cooperation, which not only counteracts the trend of global economic fragmentation but also sets a new model for major power relations that rejects confrontation and focuses on mutual benefits. The practical version of the "Golden Age" essentially represents a rational alignment based on the interests of the two countries.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855645916952716/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.