President Xi to announce direct air links between Manchester and China

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As Chinese president Xi Jinping's UK tour comes to a close, and with billions of pounds worth of deals in the bag, he'll be heading home to increasing concerns over how the Chinese slowdown is hitting Asia.
British Prime Minister David Cameron (right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold talks at Chequers, the Prime Minister's official country residence, near Ellesborough, on Oct 22, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON (REUTERS) - Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain will end on Friday (Oct 23) with the announcement of new air links between China and Manchester, the northern English city at the heart of efforts to rebalance the British economy.

Xi will be accompanied by British Prime Minister David Cameron on a tour of the city designed to attract Chinese infrastructure investment at the end of a four-day visit that sealed £40 billion (S$85.7 billion) of business deals.

British Prime Minister David Cameron (right) shares a pint with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a pub near Chequers, Buckinghamshire, on Oct 22, 2015. PHOTO: EPA

Britain has laid on its highest level of diplomatic charm for the Chinese delegation, including an audience with Queen Elizabeth. But critics say Cameron is overlooking human rights concerns in his push to make Britain the pre-eminent Western gateway for investment from China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right, front) and his wife Peng Liyuan bid farewell to British Queen Elizabeth II (left, front) and her husband Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace in London on Oct 22, 2015. PHOTO: EPA

Britain is courting Chinese involvement in £24 billion of investment projects in the north of the country as part of its plan to regenerate the region, whose development has lagged the more prosperous southeast.

Protesters holding placards outside Inmarsat headquarters in London while Chinese President Xi Jinping visits on Oct 22, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

Hainan Airlines will announce the first direct flights between Manchester and China - a deal which Britain said could boost the city's economy by £50 million.

Xi, a soccer fan, will travel to the city's airport after a meeting with local government representatives and businesses. His visit will also include a trip to a soccer academy run by Manchester City and a tour of the National Football Museum.

Partnerships to build and finance the regeneration of parts of the city will also be agreed, plus the finalisation of Hong Kong firm Netdragon Websoft's £85 million acquisition of educational supplies company Promethean World.

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