Embassy’s Response to Anti-China Rhetoric: A Detailed Rebuttal
On April 16, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the UK issued a response to comments made by several British politicians about the acquisition of British Steel by Jingye Group. These comments, which included derogatory remarks about Chinese businesses and the Chinese government, were firmly rejected by the embassy. The spokesperson criticized such remarks, calling them “absurd” and an example of “arrogance, ignorance, and a twisted mindset.”
Addressing the specifics of the acquisition, the spokesperson provided a clear outline of events, noting that British Steel had been in financial turmoil for several years prior to the 2020 acquisition by Jingye Group. “It is well-known that British Steel had been losing money for many years before its acquisition by Jingye in 2020. In fact, the company went into compulsory liquidation in 2019,” said the embassy spokesperson. “Had it not been for Jingye’s intervention, British Steel workers might have already faced the risk of unemployment.”
After the acquisition, Jingye Group invested significant funds to keep the company operational. This was crucial in preserving thousands of jobs that would have been lost had the company shut down. The spokesperson emphasized that the Jingye Group, a private Chinese enterprise, had not only safeguarded jobs but had also ensured the company's survival during a time of crisis.
The Transition to Green Steel: Emphasizing Sustainability
One key area of criticism was the transition of British Steel to green steel under Jingye’s management. The spokesperson clarified that British Steel's decision to close its blast furnaces and invest in electric arc furnaces was in line with the UK government’s net zero emissions goals. "Under the UK government's net zero strategy, steel companies using iron ore to make steel must achieve net zero emissions by 2035," the spokesperson explained. “The decision to transition from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces is a normal and necessary step towards meeting these goals."
The transition to electric arc furnaces is critical for the company’s future sustainability. This move is a part of the global push toward decarbonization in the steel industry. The spokesperson noted that the Port Talbot Steelworks in Wales had already closed its blast furnace in July 2024, and other British steel companies, including British Steel, were negotiating with the UK government for investments in cleaner, more efficient technologies.
The embassy also addressed concerns about the company’s hydrogen-powered plans for the future, asserting that the focus on hydrogen as an alternative fuel was entirely consistent with both environmental goals and technological progress. “It is important to understand that Jingye’s plans for the future of British Steel are focused on both environmental sustainability and the long-term health of the company. Their investment in green technology is a reflection of their commitment to the UK’s decarbonization efforts,” the spokesperson affirmed.
Chinese Investments in the UK: Positive Economic Contributions
The spokesperson took the opportunity to highlight the broader contributions of Chinese companies to the UK economy, emphasizing that these companies have consistently operated in compliance with UK laws and have been beneficial to local communities. “Chinese companies in the UK have operated legally and have made positive contributions to the local economy. Jingye alone has already contributed over £115 billion to the UK economy and has created nearly 60,000 jobs,” the spokesperson said. These figures, the embassy noted, reflect the growing economic interdependence between the two nations.
This positive impact is not isolated to the steel industry alone. Across various sectors, Chinese companies are contributing to economic stability and job creation within the UK. The embassy spokesperson pointed out that Chinese enterprises had helped sustain businesses and create employment even during uncertain times, particularly in industries where local companies might have struggled.
The spokesperson also addressed the growing trend of anti-China sentiment in certain British political circles. While acknowledging the challenges of global trade, the embassy strongly criticized the demonization of Chinese companies, arguing that this rhetoric was undermining the potential for future cooperation between the UK and China. “In a time when the United States is imposing tariffs on countries across the globe, including the UK, it is unfortunate that some British politicians are using China as a scapegoat rather than confronting the larger global trade dynamics,” the spokesperson noted. “This unhelpful narrative will not solve the UK’s economic challenges, and instead risks damaging the China-UK relationship.”
The Path Forward: A Call for Fairness and Negotiation
Looking ahead, the Chinese Embassy urged the UK government to ensure that Chinese businesses operating in the country are treated with fairness and respect. The embassy emphasized that any attempts to politicize business issues would only hurt both nations’ economies. “We urge the UK government to adhere to principles of fairness, impartiality, and non-discrimination when dealing with Chinese companies,” the spokesperson said. “Political interference in business matters will only undermine confidence among investors and will not contribute to resolving the issues at hand.”
Moreover, the embassy encouraged continued dialogue between the UK government and Jingye Group to find solutions that would be beneficial to all parties. “We hope the UK government will continue to engage in consultations and negotiations with Jingye to find solutions that are acceptable to all parties. This is the path forward for a strong and mutually beneficial economic relationship,” the spokesperson concluded.
Key Takeaways:
• Jingye Group, a private Chinese enterprise, rescued British Steel from liquidation in 2019 and continued to invest significant funds to keep the company operational.
• British Steel’s transition to green steel aligns with the UK government’s net zero emissions strategy by 2035.
• Chinese companies in the UK have contributed over £115 billion to the economy and created nearly 60,000 jobs.
• Jingye Group’s transition to electric arc furnaces and hydrogen-powered technologies supports the UK’s environmental goals.
• The Chinese Embassy condemned the anti-China rhetoric of British politicians, calling it counterproductive and damaging to bilateral relations.
• The embassy urged the UK government to treat Chinese businesses with fairness and avoid politicizing business issues.
• Continued negotiations between the UK government and Jingye are essential for long-term cooperation and solutions acceptable to all parties.
