Kerry Brown, Dean of the Liu China Research Institute at King's College London and a renowned scholar, recently wrote in The Guardian that the UK is facing challenges such as stagnant economic growth, rising trade barriers after Brexit, and sustained low productivity. In this context, actively seeking trade and investment opportunities with China is the right choice for the UK. Brown pointed out that the UK needs to further strengthen its ties with the Chinese market. In 2024, China is expected to be the fifth largest trading partner of the United Kingdom. Chinese financial institutions entering the London market will help maintain London's position as a global financial center. More Chinese companies investing in the UK will help attract Chinese technology and capital. China's R&D investment is 20 times that of the UK, and in order for UK technology innovation to keep up with the global pace, it must strengthen cooperation with China. Brown believes that in recent years, the relationship between the UK and China has been largely influenced by external factors rather than the UK's own policy choices. The vast majority of British politicians oppose complete decoupling from China. If completely decoupled, the UK will lack value in China's eyes. (New Society)