Beijing: Theresa May said Britain was a “natural partner” for China’s ambitious Belt and Road global infrastructure program, but she did not formally sign up on her first state visit to China.



Britain is eager to strike a free trade agreement with China, the world's second largest economy, after it leaves the European Union.

Theresa May dots the lion's eyes during a traditional lion dance ceremony outside the British embassy in Beijing. Credit:Bloomberg

Just 3 per cent of British exports went to China in 2016, compared to 43 per cent of exports to the European Union.



Mrs May said that, as Britain left the EU, it would "become ever-more outward-looking, and as China continues to reform and open up, we are committed to deepening our strong and vital partnership".

