China has urged the UK to ensure Chinese companies are treated fairly, after relations between the two countries came under renewed strain following Britain's decision to take control of

British Steel.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that he hoped the UK would provide Chinese businesses operating in Britain with a "fair, equitable and non-discriminatory" business environment, according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

His comments come days after the British government brought British Steel under state control, taking over the loss-making company from its Chinese owner, Jingye Group. Ministers argued the move was necessary to safeguard the UK's steel-making capacity and protect national security interests.

The takeover has become the latest source of friction in an increasingly complex relationship between London and Beijing, as the UK seeks to balance economic engagement with concerns over national security and strategic industries.

China remains one of Britain's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade worth tens of billions of pounds each year. Chinese companies have invested in sectors including manufacturing, finance, real estate and technology. However, in recent years the UK has tightened scrutiny of foreign investment, particularly in critical infrastructure, telecommunications, semiconductors and energy, citing security risks.

The shift has included the removal of Huawei equipment from Britain's 5G network, tougher powers to review foreign acquisitions under the National Security and Investment Act, and greater government intervention in industries considered vital to the country's economic resilience.

Despite these measures, successive UK governments have said they do not seek to sever economic ties with China. Instead, ministers have pursued a policy of protecting national security while maintaining trade and cooperation in areas such as climate change, education and global economic stability.

Beijing has repeatedly criticised what it describes as the "politicisation" of trade and investment decisions, arguing that Chinese companies should not face discrimination because of their country of origin. Wang's latest remarks reflect China's continuing efforts to reassure investors while pushing back against tighter restrictions imposed by several Western governments. Photo by Morio, Wikimedia commons.