'Golden-era relations' continue, May says

British Prime Minister Theresa May brushed aside uncertainties about relations between Beijing and London on Monday, saying the "golden-era relations will continue".

May made the remark to reporters on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. She then headed for a one-on-one meeting with President Xi Jinping.

By using the term "golden-era relations", May echoed her predecessor, David Cameron, who stepped down earlier this year after the United Kingdom's referendum on European Union membership.

"It will be an opportunity to discuss how we can take forward the golden-era relations between our two countries and build a strong economic and global partnership that works in the interests of both," she said of the coming meeting.

"This is my first visit to China, and I would like to thank the Chinese government and the people of Hangzhou for welcoming us here and hosting a magnificent summit in the city," she added.

"I've been clear that the decision about Hinkley will be taken later this month. Our relationship with China is about more than Hinkley, if you look at the investment from China in various other parts of the United Kingdom," May said.

After taking office, May halted the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, a partly Chinese-funded project in southwest England.

Asked about the decision to delay the plant, London Mayor Jeffrey Mountevans told Xinhua News Agency that the city wants to see the issue resolved rapidly because it is keen on partnerships with Chinese businesses.

In their meeting, both Xi and May vowed to boost "mutual understanding and trust". They agreed to enhance cooperation in fields including trade, investment, finance and legal enforcement.

President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China September 4, Damir Sagolj / Reuters