Why is China 'strongly dissatisfied' with the UK's nationalisation of British Steel?

China is 'strongly dissatisfied' because the UK government nationalised British Steel — previously owned by the Chinese company Jingye — without adequately recognising Jingye's contributions to the UK economy and society, and allegedly under the pretext of national security; according to China's Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom), this move 'seriously undermined Jingye’s legitimate rights and interests' and 'dealt a severe blow to Chinese companies’ confidence in investing in the UK.'

What was the stated rationale for the UK government's nationalisation of British Steel?

The UK government stated the nationalisation was essential to maintain steel production at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site in Lincolnshire, protect the company’s future and UK supply chains, secure skilled jobs, safeguard a vital national industrial capability, and lay the foundation for transforming the business into a 'commercially sustainable, low-carbon enterprise.'

China 'Strongly Dissatisfied' with Nationalisation of British Steel

Jul 17, 2026

The UK government nationalized British Steel to secure production and jobs, prompting China's Ministry of Commerce to express strong dissatisfaction over the treatment of Chinese investor Jingye. The move affects UK supply chains and bilateral investment confidence.

theguardian

2026-05-14

UK Government Proposes Steel Nationalization Bill; China Urges Protection of Local Enterprise Rights

2026-06-11

Jingye Calls on UK Government for Compensation Over British Steel Investment Loss

2026-07-15

Britain Takes British Steel into Public Ownership

2026-07-16

British Steel Taken into Public Ownership to Save UK Supply

2026-07-17

British Steel Officially Nationalized; Will Former Chinese Shareholder Jingye Group Receive Compensation?