China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian called on the British government to ensure a just and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese businesses on Monday, urging it to avoid politicizing economic cooperation and broadening security concerns. Lin emphasized that fair treatment was vital to maintain Chinese investors' confidence in the United Kingdom.
The remarks followed the UK Parliament’s swift passage of a one-day emergency bill to protect the Scunthorpe steelworks after Jingye, the Chinese owner of British Steel, declined government support to keep operations running temporarily. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds refrained from accusing Jingye of sabotage, but The Guardian reported that ministers do not expect renewed negotiations with the firm.
