中英或将开启“黄金时代”

President Xi's UK state visit next week will be the first for a Chinese head of state in 10 years. Many experts believe the two countries are moving towards their best ever period of cooperation, and that this visit will promote more opportunities for better trade and investment.

China is the United Kingdom's fourth biggest trade partner.

In Europe, UK is China's second largest trade partner, the largest investment destination and the biggest overseas RMB trade center.

In 2014, trade volume between two nations increased 15.3% year on year.

In first half  of this year, it had reached 367.4 billion US dollars.

"And one country which the UK has really increased its exports in the last 5 years is China. It's doubled from 7 billion pounds to 15 billions pounds in this period. The UK is not growing as much with other emerging markets," said Robin Niblett, director, The Royal Institute of International Affairs.

Many now feel the UK has begun to see China as a huge opportunity, not just a big investor, but the RMB is crucial to the future of London's Financial Center.

"If it's not you know the center reaction of  further off-shore RMB in Europe, so it needs that relationship with China if it's going to make sustain the position of city of London, because it got to the core of interest," said Martin Jacques, Visiting Senior Fellow, LSE.

China and the UK are also looking to cooperate in infrastructure projects, including high-speed rail and nuclear programmes.

Nuclear energy has become an essential pillar of their bilateral relations.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne -- when on a visit to China in September -- said the UK welcomed China to participate in its nuclear Energy Programme.

He revealed the UK has approved a guarantee fee worth of two billion pounds in western England for nuclear projects, which also paves the way for China's engagement in the field.

However, in spite of their cooperation, divergence in some areas still exists,  but the two governments are keen to make a joint effort to overcome their differences.

"In this visit of Xi Jinping we will see lots of golden opportunities, win-win economics, but we must remember that underneath it are some areas of potential tension. They could pop up in the future and both governments will need to work hard to ensure the win-win is the dominant part, and the negative don't slit into it," Jacques said.

Whether President Xi's visit can further their ever-growing cooperation remains to be seen, but there's certainly a real appetite to make it a success.