Global leaders react to UK’s decision to leave EU

Global Business

Global leaders react to UK's decision to leave EU

The Brexit referendum results came as a surprise to many, and global leaders are reacting. The U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union could test its relations with other nations.

CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reports.

Counting the Brexit ballots revealed what few around the world expected, but many feared.

During his visit last year, President Xi Jinping called on the U.K. to play an even more constructive role in promoting deeper China-EU ties.

Whereas Xi’s visit to London was hailed as the “beginning of a golden era”, the European Commission has denied China market economy status and sought to increase tariffs on Chinese steel.

China’s foreign ministry says it’s taking a long-term perspective and encouraging a smooth exit.

Russia, though, voiced concerns about Brexit’s impact on its economic future.

The U.S. President has been unusually candid about his support for the U.K. remaining in the EU.

But he acknowledged that the anti-establishment voter sentiment sweeping across Europe is also evident in American politics.

And the wave of political change may not be over. Now some in Scotland and Ireland are calling for votes to stay in the EU while anti-establishment parties in Italy, France, Denmark and Holland called for referendums to leave.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told people in Scotland, he believes Brexit is just the beginning of global political change.

Back in the U.S., Hillary Clinton cautioned that Brexit highlights the need for calm, experienced leadership in the White House to protect Americans.