PM MAY AND PRESIDENT XI SET NEW LEVELS

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping told British Prime Minister Theresa May that their countries should take trade ties to ''a new level'' as London scouts the globe for fresh partnerships after its contentious EU exit

Hounded by Brexit rows at home, May is seeking to deepen trade relations with the world's second largest economy as Britain prepares to leave the European Union next year.

The embattled Prime Minister and senior Chinese leaders championed a ''golden era'' of relations between their two countries throughout her visit.

But criticism in London over her domestic agenda and her handling of  Britain's vexed divorce  with the  European Union loomed large, prompting her to declare she was  ''not a quitter''  before he arrival on Wednesday.

''As the  United Kingdom is leaving the European Union we're going to be more outward looking to enhance our relationships around the world, and this relationship with China is an important part of that,'' May told state broadcaster CCTV.

May held talks with Xi at  Diaoyutai  State Guest House tea after visiting an agricultural science academy, later taking part in a traditional tea ceremony with Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan.

The BBC reported that May, who was expected to raise  environmental concerns, would present Xi with a box set of the network's Blue Planet II series-

With a personal message from presenter David Attenborough.

''We must strengthen the pragmatism  of Sino-British relations in the golden era, and push economic and trade cooperation to a new level, ''Xi said during their meeting,'' according to CCTV.