UK chancellor cancels trip to China after Beijing spoils plan

Chinese authorities have cancelled planned trade talks with Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond over London’s plan to send an aircraft carrier to the disputed South China Sea.

Hammond’s planned visit to China next week had been called off after UK defense minister Gavin Williamson angered the Chinese officials by announcing that HMS Queen Elizabeth would be deployed to the Pacific as part of its maiden voyage in the new future.

Hammond had been expected to visit Beijing in order to meet senior figures including vice-premier Hu Chunhua. But Chinese authorities had been angered by Williamson’s announcement on Monday.

Hammond, who is responsible for all economic and financial matters, was expected to hold high-level trade talks with senior government officials in Beijing.

The meeting was a key part of Prime Minister Theresa May’s efforts to offset the impacts of Britain’s departure from the European Union which is planned for the end of March.

It is believed that there is an internal row brewing between the Treasury and the defense department over Williamson’s remarks.

However, a Treasury spokesperson denied Williamson’s announcement had any impact on trade talks, saying meetings between Hammond and Chinese officials had not been confirmed.

“No trip was ever announced or confirmed,” said the spokesperson, without elaborating.

SS