2015年CRI Talks of Infrustructure Projects Gains Attention ahead of Xi's UK Visit

As Chinese national flags fly alongside British Union Jacks 1 in London to herald 2 the upcoming state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sino-UK cooperation projects are among the heated topics in the UK.

During his recent visit to China, Chancellor 3 of Exchequer 4 George Osborne announced that the UK government will underwrite the Chinese funding of the Hinkley Point nuclear power station, which has raised speculation 5 that the two sides will seal the deal during Xi Jinping's visit to the UK.

Martin Freer, a professor of nuclear physics at the University of Birmingham and director of the Birmingham Energy Institute, explains that to meet the UK's target of reducing carbon emissions 6 by 40% by 2030, the country needs to develop its nuclear power stations with overseas investment.

"So to get to 40% requires a massive investment in nuclear energy and the UK doesn't have the capability 7 to deliver that investment, it hasn't built a nuclear reactor 8 in the last 25-30 years. It doesn't have substantial nuclear industry which can build reactors 9 and therefore needs companies from overseas to join the venture," said Freer.

He said China is a likely partner in the UK's nuclear power-station development because the nuclear industry is very active in China.

He also said China has the biggest building program for nuclear power plants in the world.

"This is an opportunity for China to understand the culture in the UK market. Once they have understood the culture and subsequently brought their technology to the UK, this becomes a shop window to the world. If China can bring Chinese nuclear plants to the UK which is one of the most challenging places to get a reactor through the regulation system, then you can sell the technology worldwide, so this is a great market opportunity for the Chinese companies. "

Another possible Sino-UK cooperation project that has been at the center of attention is the UK's high speed two (HS2) rail.

The planned link will connect a cluster of cities in northern England including Manchester and Liverpool.

It will play a significant role in the UK's "Northern Powerhouse" scheme proposed by Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne.

Jin Xu, Minister Counselor 10 of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese embassy in London, said the project has attracted Chinese investors 11' attention and will open new channels for Sino-UK business cooperation.

"In areas including high speed rail construction and other infrastructure 12 development, the 'Northern Powerhouse' project will generate vast potentials for China-UK cooperation. The boost to England's traditional industry powers will create a win-win situation for both sides."

During his state visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Manchester to hear about UK's plans to revive its northern cities and looking at prospects 13 of Sino-UK cooperation in the football industry.