Chinese President Xi Jinping has received an unprecedented welcome by the British government and the royal family.
The two nations plan to strengthen economic ties during the Chinese leader′s four－day visit.
Lee Soo－eun has more.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was greeted by the British foreign minister on the red carpet of Heathrow Airport on Monday.
It′s the first time in ten years that a Chinese head of state has visited London.
President Xi will receive a full－scale ceremonial welcome and state luncheon... and he′ll stay at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night as the guest of Queen Elizabeth II.
It′s an unprecedented welcome on Britain′s part.
Xi′s four－day visit is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
″We expect this visit will be a new milestone and open a ′golden era′ of China－UK relations.″
The two nations are expected to strike deals on Chinese investment in a nuclear power station in Britain， as well as tariffs on Chinese steel imports to help Britain′s struggling steelmakers.
″Of course we will raise all these issues. That is what our relationship with China is all about. It is at such a high level that there is no subject off the table and all of these issues， including the steel industry will be discussed.″
While there are supporters who back the economic focus， activists have condemned the British government for turning a blind eye to China′s human rights record.
″This is not a country that we should be allowing to get away with the kinds of human rights abuse that our government seems so eager to ignore in the name of economic growth.″
A number of activist groups plan to protest against Xi during his parade to the royal palace on Tuesday， London time.
Lee Soo－eun， Arirang News.
