Free Trade and Trade Protectionism: US China Relations and Post Brexit Impact on UK China Relations
On the 2nd October 2016, the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, that Article 50 the formal process for leaving the European Union, would be triggered by the end of March 2017. This in effect, should facilitate negotiation procedures involved during the two year period following the triggering of the Article resulting in the UK leaving the EU by the end of Summer 2019. The Prime Minister also announced that the EU Repeal Bill which would facilitate the process of making the UK independent again, was to be introduced during the Queen's Speech. The Repeal of the 1972 Act, it was added, should however, take place after the UK leaves the EU.This article explores the impact increased protectionist measures could have on US China relations as well as resulting consequences and dynamics for relations with the United Kingdom. This particularly being the case, in view of recent Brexit results, and the emphasis re iterated by the UK that it would adopt a less protectionist stance in its bid to forge new relations and strategic partnerships with global partners.