Race to keep British Steel plant alive fuels China trade row
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China issues warning over British Steel row
- The UK Government has secured raw materials to keep British Steel's Scunthorpe furnaces operating for the coming weeks amid a dispute with the plant's Chinese owner, Jingye.
- The Government is accusing Jingye of attempting to sabotage the plant by letting raw materials run out, potentially jeopardising thousands of jobs and UK steel production.
- China has urged Britain to treat Chinese companies fairly and avoid politicising trade and investment, warning of potential consequences for investor confidence.
- Senior UK political figures are urging greater scrutiny of Chinese investment in critical infrastructure, citing the British Steel situation as a “wake-up call”.
- The incident has fuelled debate about banning Chinese investment in key UK industries and implementing protective measures against market flooding.