As Britain welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping, polls have found that most voters back Britain trading with China, and many want to do more, according to an article entitled "Why George Osborne is right to cosy up to China, in three charts" published by The Telegraph on Oct. 20, 2015.[Special coverage]
The article, authored by Asa Bennett, sheds light on three crucial questions, such as "Who will be the UK's most valuable trading partner in 20 years?" "What will happen to the Chinese economy in the next 20 years?" and "How should Britain's trading ties with China be?"
As for Britain's top trading partner in next two decades, the article said Britons' top choice for the future is China - at 29 percent, as revealed by an opinion poll conducted by the "YouGov" research institute.
This year marks the start of the second decade of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, as Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in a written statement upon his arrival in London on Monday evening for a state visit to Britain at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II.
"It's a partnership that is set to unleash growth," said British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. Osborne has found the public's support in making China the UK's second-biggest trade partner within the next ten years, the article said.
In regard to the future of China's economy, most Britons, 54 percent according to the poll, said "it will be stronger".
The article said the Chancellor and the public are picking up on global economic trends - the rising share of Chinese GDP of the global GDP, as well as the fall of Europe and America's share of the global economy during the same period.
Last but not the least, the article also touches on Britons' willingness to forge closer relations with China. According to the poll, 74 percent Britons suggested they were happy with Britain's close trade relations, with 43 percent wanting closer ties and 31 percent happy with how they are now.
The article concludes that George Osborne and his ministerial colleagues have the public on their side in promoting China-UK business ties.
Voters' favor towards China has also won positive responses from the Chinese side.
Prior to his visit, Xi voiced his expectations for building "golden" ties with Britain.
"I hope this will chart the course for the future growth of China-UK relations, inject new impetus in practical cooperation between our two countries in all fields and enable us to jointly usher in a 'golden time' for China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership," Xi said in a written interview with Reuters on Sunday.
Xi's state visit, which will conclude on Friday, is the first by a Chinese president since 2005. Besides London, Xi is also scheduled for a trip to Manchester.
