What will unfold for UK still uncertain: China Daily editorial

After more than three years of twists and turns, the United Kingdom will not be a member of the European Union as of Saturday. It is a triumph for the Euro-skeptics in Britain, but their victory will not necessarily bring what many pro-Brexit British people believe it will for both the British economy and its immigration situation.

In the first place, a deal must be struck between the UK and the EU in the remaining 11 months until the end of this year, which will define in a specific manner the future UK-EU relationship. How the deal will be concluded through complicated negotiations will decide whether the UK will get what it hopes to obtain from its withdrawal from the EU and how the EU will be able to maintain amicable and cooperative trade relations with the UK.

However, whether the negotiations will be able to be completed within the next 11 months is problematic, given the fact that major EU countries are unlikely to give in on important trade issues. If Downing Street remains a stickler without flexibility to extend the transition period when the needed negotiations are unable to be completed, Brexit without a deal is what the UK will have to accept. That may be disastrous to the economy of the UK.

Besides, the UK will have to separately strike a trade deal with the United States, which will also be very important for the smooth development of its economy and its soft transition from being part of the EU to being an independent economic entity.

It is far too early for the UK to celebrate a successful divorce as what will unfold will probably be beyond the expectations of many.

In addition, the UK itself is divided on the question of Brexit. Those who are opposed to the UK's exit from the EU will likely fight back if an exit without a deal or with a bad deal looks likely to hurt the UK economy.

There are a lot of efforts for the UK to make in maintaining an amicable relationship with the EU after its withdrawal from this economic block, in which it has stayed for 47 years as a member. Such relations should be managed well not just in terms of trade, but also in other areas such as tourism and other exchanges.

As a close economic partner of the UK and the EU, China hopes their negotiations go smoothly and that both will remain inclusive, and stand against unilateralism and trade protectionism.