Interview: London mayor Sadiq Khan wants more Londoners of Chinese origin to take part in mainstream politics

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he hoped to see more young Londoners of Chinese origin to take part in mainstream politics and have their potential fulfilled.

Khan, the son of a Pakistani immigrant in south London, was elected mayor of London in May, becoming the first Muslim mayor of the British capital.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Khan said he is "passionate" about making sure that all Londoners can take part in mainstream politics.

He added that people are looking forward to "more politicians of Chinese origin, more young people being registered to vote, taking part in election and becoming councilors, governors of their schools, governors of foundation trust hospitals, members of Parliament, GLC assembly members, and helping me as the Mayor of London."

"One of the great things about our country is there are many British people and Londoners of Chinese origin, but we need to recognize that there are challenges that the Chinese-origin community faces," he told Xinhua.

One of the challenges, he noted, is how to protect the Chinatown in London.

He said Chinatown is suffering from pressures from "developers and owners of property choosing to increase rents at levels that are unaffordable to businesses, or to turn those buildings into luxury flats rather than businesses run by members of our Chinese origin community."

"We are working on a London plan that protects the heritage of certain parts of London and recognizes their unique contribution to our city," said the mayor.

During his election campaign in February, Khan vowed to work with the Chinese business community and Westminster Council to secure the future of Chinatown as a hub for Chinese business and the community.

In the interview, Khan said young Londoners of Chinese origin can also benefit from the Skills for Londoners, the Mayor of London's training program aimed at giving youngsters "the skills for jobs of tomorrow."

To ethnic minorities and different faith communities, the London mayor said his city will "allow you to be who you are".

"What's brilliant about London as a city is that this city doesn't simply tolerate differences, but respects and embraces (them)," he said.

"More than 300 languages are spoken here in London. The great thing about our city is to be who you are, whether you are black, Asian, minority ethnic...and you can be who you are," he continued.

In July, Khan launched the London Is Open campaign to show that London will "carry on being open-minded and outward-looking" following the EU referendum.

"We've been open to trade, people and ideas for more than 1,000 years, that's not going to change," he told Xinhua. Enditem