00:00UK Prime Minister Keir Sammer says Britain will not be forced to choose sides between China and the United States,
00:07ahead of the first visit by a British leader to Beijing in eight years.
00:11In an interview with Bloomberg, he says the UK will maintain close security and defence ties with Washington,
00:17while also engaging China for economic opportunities.
00:21He said Britain can pursue trade and investment opportunities with China without compromising national security,
00:32adding that ignoring China, the world's second-largest economy, would not be sensible.
00:38Sammer also said the UK's relationship with the US remains central on business, defence and security.
00:44The visit comes days after the UK approved controversial plans for a large new Chinese embassy in London,
00:52a move criticised by opponents who warned it could be used for espionage.
00:57The trip also comes amid strained transatlantic ties after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on allies
01:04and warned Canada against striking a trade deal with Beijing.
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