British PM says China ties in "golden era"

British Prime Minister Theresa May said here Monday that relations between Britain and China remain in a "golden era."

"I've been clear that we will be continuing the global strategic partnership with China. It is a golden era of the relations between China and the United Kingdom," May said in a press conference shortly after the closing of the 11th Group of 20 (G20) summit in this eastern Chinese city.

Commenting on the Hinkley project, a partly Chinese-invested nuclear power station program delayed by the British government in July, May said there will be a decision about the project later this month.

The Hinkley Point C plant, to be co-built by China General Nuclear Power Corp., which has a one-third stake, and French state-owned company EDF, would be Britain's first new nuclear facility in decades and help address its future energy demands.

"If you look at the investment that has been from China in various other parts of the United Kingdom and other infrastructure and so forth in the UK, we have built a global strategic partnership with China," she said.

May added that she hopes for more opportunities to discuss how to further push forward bilateral ties in the golden era.

Meanwhile, May also outlined London's ambition to be the global leader of free trade although the country has decided to exit the European Union (EU).

"As the UK leaves the EU, I've set out our ambition to become the global leader in free trade," she said.

"The leaders from India, Mexico, South Korea and Singapore said that they would welcome talks on removing the barriers to trade between our countries," she said. Endi