The British government is enthusiastic that ongoing and future infrastructure projects with China will bring British infrastructure up to par with current standards. (Photo : Access MBA)
A strengthened relationship between China and Britain is the expected outcome of President Xi Jinping’s five-day state visit, from Oct. 19-23. British finance minister George Osborne announced at the Conservative annual conference that the powers will focus their attention on infrastructure projects.
Xi's trip to Britain is the first by a Chinese head of state in 10 years.
China's helping hand in repairing existing infrastructure in Britain, as well as building new structures, is expected to further bolster Sino-British ties and usher in what experts call as "golden age" of bilateral ties between the two countries.
The two governments will focus on projects such as new roads, rail links, runways and power stations. The British have entrusted an important role to China in boosting its economic stature.
"I think the next most visible things would be Chinese investment in British infrastructure," said Gerry Grimstone, chairman of Standard Life, one of Britain's biggest insurance providers.
According to a report recently released by Pinsent Masons, a London-based full-service international law firm, Chinese enterprises have already proven their capability to rejuvenate British infrastructure.
"Chinese enterprises have acquired key capabilities and a track-record in airports, railways, water treatment, offshore wind power, nuclear power plant and other projects," the firm stated in their report.
What's more is that China and Britain have also proven in past projects that they are capable of complementing each other. One such example is the participation of Beijing Construction Engineering Group in the expansion of the Manchester Airport back in 2013, and of China Haror Engineering Company Ltd. in the construction of the tidal lagoon power plant in Swansea Bay.
The British government is enthusiastic that ongoing and future infrastructure projects with China will bring British infrastructure up to par with current standards. On the other hand, Britain has expressed commitment to work with China on the Belt and Road Initiative.
2015 marks the 20th year of bilateral relations between China and Britain.
