A response of real substance

How the US has reacted to shock vote stands in contrast to China's Foreign Ministry

Like many Britons, I was appalled by both the result of the EU referendum as well as the minor outbreaks of xenophobia and, sad to say, racism that have been reported in some areas.

The xenophobia and racism we as a society can, and will, deal with.

Don't get me wrong. London is still the most vibrant cosmopolitan city I have lived in, and I'm proud not only to call it home but am lucky enough to count as friends people from a huge variety of cultures and backgrounds.

But the dark forces unleashed by the ambitions and bitterness of a small group in the ruling Conservative Party have triggered an unprecedented degree of chaos, socially and economically.

So you tend to focus on certain things as a way of taking your mind off the nastier parts of what is currently going on.

I was particularly heartened to note the comments made over the weekend by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. Yes, a considered statement, which called for stability, which at the same time recognized that China's policy of consistently considering and developing its relationship with Britain and the European Union.

A routine comment from an official spokesperson, you might say. But when you contrast that with the US reaction, which after the usual formulaic statements about respecting the will of the people reiterated President Barack Obama's comment that, in the event of Brexit, Britain would have to go to the back of the line to negotiate a trade deal with the US.

And here's the thing: Obama initially said that in the run-up to the referendum, when it could be construed as simply a way of putting pressure on those either planning to vote leave, or who were wavering. What shocks me is that he and his White House spokesman repeated it after the result.

For years, Britain has had a much-vaunted special relationship with the US, despite, as Winston Churchill once said, being two countries divided by a common language. Well, the special relationship has over the past couple of decades led us down paths many Britons did not want to follow - Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and Iraq spring to mind.

And from an intensely personal viewpoint - I spent two years covering it - the Vietnam War was a low point for me in American foreign policy. Thank heavens then-prime minister Harold Wilson refused to join in that debacle, despite urgings by Lyndon B. Johnson.

I have always sought to see the good in the US, but sometimes that country's actions make it hard. So like many others, I turn to look at China, the emerging political and economic power.

Britain and China have a relationship that goes back to 1950, when Britain became the first major Western power to recognize the People's Republic of China. True, there have been many bumps and potholes along the way, but in 2015, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister David Cameron were able to announce a "the golden era" of relations.

In my book, a friendship that is strong goes through ups and downs, and what struck me about China's latest statement on Brexit was that it didn't seek to take advantage of a country in turmoil.

My diplomatic friends have always held on to one maxim: Modern China, as a sovereign state, always adheres to the treaties it has agreed with other nations.

Now, that friendship is being put to the test.

The author is managing editor of China Daily European Bureau, based in London. Contact the writer at chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com