The nationalization of British Steel has caused mixed reactions. China has criticized the UK government's decision to nationalize British Steel, calling the move harmful to Chinese investors, while UK-based trade association UK Steel has welcomed the move as a necessary step to protect the country's steelmaking potential.
On July 16, the UK government formally transferred British Steel into public ownership, taking full control of the loss-making steelworks after concluding that nationalization was necessary to protect domestic steel production and national interests. SteelOrbis previously reported .
China condemns nationalization
According to a Reuters report, China's Ministry of Commerce said it "strongly opposes and strongly disapproves" of Britain's decision to nationalize British Steel, which was previously owned by Chinese steel mill Jingye. The ministry said the British government had "forcibly" taken over the company, while ignoring Jinye's contribution to the UK economy and society.
The ministry said the move had "seriously damaged" Jinye's legitimate rights and interests and had "seriously undermined" the confidence of Chinese companies investing in the UK.
China called on the UK to fulfill its obligations under the Sino-UK Investment Partnership agreement. Protection Agreement and stated that it will closely monitor developments while supporting Chinese companies to protect their legitimate rights and interests. However, the department did not specify what measures such support might include.
UK Steel welcomes government ownership
UK Steel welcomed the government's decision, calling it a major milestone for one of the country's most strategically important industries. The association said British Steel's move into public ownership provides certainty for employees, customers and the wider supply chain, while protecting a key part of the UK's industrial base.
In welcoming nationalisation, UK Steel stressed that public ownership should be the start of a long-term strategy, not the end goal. The association called for investment to modernize British Steel's operations, support the transition to low-carbon steel production and address the UK's high industrial energy costs.
UK Steel said that with appropriate investment
