Theresa May rushes to reassure China after sparking spy crisis over Hinkley nuclear plant

THERESA MAY has rushed to reassure the Chinese President that Britain wants strong ties with Beijing – after sparking a spy crisis over nuclear power.

In a letter handed over by junior Minister Alok Sharma during an official visit, the Prime Minister spoke of Britain’s commitment to Anglo Chinese relations.

In it, Mrs May told Xi Jinping Britain “looks forward to strengthening co-operation with China on trade and business and on global issues”, with the G20 summit in Hangzhou next month.

The move comes just weeks after Number 10 stunned Westminster by announcing it wanted to review a blockbuster deal with France and China to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point.

Sources claimed the delay came amid fears over the Chinese state-owned energy firm at the heart of the deal – which faces charges of nuclear espionage in the US.

China’s ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming warned last week that relations were at a “crucial historical juncture”.

Lord Mandelson on Monday blasted No.10 saying China’s leaders had been left wondering “what on earth is going on”.

Britain rolled out the red carpet for Xi during a lavish state visit in October with the countries signing £30 billion of trade agreements during the trip.

China last year praised ex-Chancellor George Osborne for “not stressing human rights” during his own visit to the country.

In response Labour’s Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow International Trade Secretary, said: “It is right that the Government take steps to address the burgeoning diplomatic fiasco resulting from their plans to delay proceeding with Hinckley Point.

“However, they have still failed to properly address what those future trade relations will look like and what steps they will be taking to ensure that any potential national security concerns are addressed early and appropriately so as not to jeopardise key future trade partners.

“Businesses, investors and diplomats alike respond to substance over form and it is critical that the government begin to demonstrate an understanding of the same.”