Ambassador to UK says Chinese investment opportunity not threat

Commuters cross Westminster Bridge in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament in central London, Mar 23, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

LONDON - Chinese Ambassador to Britain said on Monday that the investment from his country to Britain is mutually beneficial and win-win for both sides, rebuffing the investment threat allegation.

Liu Xiaoming, in a signed article on the Evening Standard, said that the recent British media reports on the so-called threats of Chinese investment to British national security is a confusing mixture of paranoia and exaggerations about China's appetite to buy out Britain.

"All these are both groundless and harmful," he said.

So far, 18 billion pounds ($23.2 billion) of Chinese non-financial investment has come into a wide range of sectors in Britain.

Liu stressed that the Chinese investment is creating new jobs, generating green, low carbon growth and bringing economic prosperity and stability.

"The Hinkley Point project partly financed by the Chinese company, for example, is expected to create 26,000 jobs and, upon completion, reduce nine million tons of carbon emission every year," said the senior diplomat, referring to the construction of the massive nuclear power station in Somerset.

Liu said Britain's unchanged commitment to staying open is key to boosting the confidence of foreign investors.

"As the Brexit negotiations continue and the ensuing uncertainties and negative impacts unfold, for Britain and for foreign investors, confidence is more valuable than gold," he added.

After the Brexit referendum last year, the British government has been reiterating its commitment to free trade and its opposition to protectionism.

Liu believed that being open and inclusive has been one of the keys to Britain's continued success.

He reiterated that investment from China will not and can not pose a threat to Britain's national security.

"Britain should make the right decision and maintain its confidence rather than being swayed by protectionism or looking at Chinese investment through Cold War-tinted spectacles," Liu said.

Chinese investors came here for cooperation and win-win results, and they look for a business friendly and welcoming environment, he added.