2015年CRI UK Experts Elaborate on ＂Golden Era＂ of Sino-British Relations

 

Shortly after British Prime Minister David Cameron's re-election in May, he was quoted as saying he believes the relationship between the UK and China has entered a "golden era" of development.

Since then, both sides have been throwing around "gold" to describe both economic and diplomatic ties.

Mike Bastin, director of China Business Center based in London, says the term, though perhaps somewhat derivative¹, does seem to fit.

"I think the golden era is the right term. The British government realized the growth in trade with China and other fast-growing nations is so important for the Eurozone economy. And I also think the term comes from the Chinese side where the internationalization of Chinese industries across all sectors² is now of paramount³ importance for the sustainable growth of the Chinese economy. And UK seems as a real opportunity (for China) to enter and expand across Europe. "

At the same time, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is also among those trotting⁴ out the 'gold standard' when describing his expectations for Xi Jinping's forthcoming trip.

"I think it's possible to get to an even higher and increased level of cooperation, not just economically but politically. How China develops its role in the world -- it's got immense implications for everyone today. There's no big global problem that can be solved without China. We are enthusiastic about developing the ties with China even further and making sure that this next decade is a golden decade."

The "golden decade" is being used to describe most areas of cooperation between China and the UK.

However, one area which has seen a major step forward over the past few years is in infrastructure⁵ investment.

On top of Chinese companies purchasing a number of major properties in London, its being said Chinese investors⁶ are being directed toward other areas, including the development of the new Hinkley nuclear power station project in the UK, as well as Britain's high-speed railway system.

But other UK observers are suggesting Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit may go beyond economics.

Doctor Robin⁷ Niblett, director of London-based international think-tank Chatham House, suggests "climate change" is a non-traditional field the two countries can begin exploring.

"The British government is part of the EU, which is the other part of the triangle in a way on climate change. This could also be a big feature. There's some quite important long-term studies taking place between Chinese and British institutes on resources, on how to do greater energy efficiency, green technology, how to think about food and water, not just oil and energy. "

Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with his wife Peng Liyuan, is scheduled to fly out to London on Monday.

The couple will be guests of the Queen at Buckingham Palace during their 5-day visit.

It will be the first state visit to the UK by a Chinese leader in a decade.

For CRI, I am Wang Mengzhen.

1 derivative   

n.派(衍)生物；adj.非独创性的，模仿他人的

参考例句：

• His paintings are really quite derivative.他的画实在没有创意。
• Derivative works are far more complicated.派生作品更加复杂。

2 sectors   

n.部门( sector的名词复数 )；领域；防御地区；扇形

参考例句：

• Berlin was divided into four sectors after the war. 战后柏林分成了4 个区。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Industry and agriculture are the two important sectors of the national economy. 工业和农业是国民经济的两个重要部门。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

3 paramount   

a.最重要的，最高权力的

参考例句：

• My paramount object is to save the Union and destroy slavery.我的最高目标是拯救美国，摧毁奴隶制度。
• Nitrogen is of paramount importance to life on earth.氮对地球上的生命至关重要。

4 trotting   

小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走

参考例句：

• The riders came trotting down the lane. 这骑手骑着马在小路上慢跑。
• Alan took the reins and the small horse started trotting. 艾伦抓住缰绳，小马开始慢跑起来。

5 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

6 investors   

n.投资者，出资者( investor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• a con man who bilked investors out of millions of dollars 诈取投资者几百万元的骗子
• a cash bonanza for investors 投资者的赚钱机会

7 robin   

n.知更鸟，红襟鸟

参考例句：

• The robin is the messenger of spring.知更鸟是报春的使者。
• We knew spring was coming as we had seen a robin.我们看见了一只知更鸟，知道春天要到了。