George Osborne has unveiled plans to make China Britain’s second largest trading partner within a decade, as he continues his tour of the country.
The ambitious goal was announced as the chancellor visited Urumqi, in the region of Xinjiang, northwest China, becoming the first serving minister to do so.
In another attempt to strengthen British ties with the nation, it is also hoped that a £10 million government investment package will see at least an extra 5,000 students learning Mandarin in the classroom by 2020.
“China’s emerging regions, like Xinjiang, hold enormous potential in the years ahead,” Mr Osborne said.
“That’s why I wanted to come here today to see this place for myself, and highlight Britain’s absolute commitment to support the growth of Urumqi