Britain rejected a statement from China that affirmed Beijing’s support for Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands, as relations between London and Asia’s leading power remain strained.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Argentine counterpart Alberto Fernandez issued a joint statement that said China reaffirms its support for Argentina’s demand for the full exercise of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, using the Argentine name for the territory. 

China has overtaken Brazil as Argentina’s main commercial partner.

Facts on Falkland Islands:

• The Falkland Islands are situated in the South Atlantic, some 400 miles from the South American mainland and 850 miles north of the Antarctic Circle.

• The Falkland Islands are an archipelago, consisting of two main islands (East and West Falkland) and 778 smaller islands, with a total area of approximately 4,700 sqm.

• It is a British Overseas Territory with full internal self-government.

• Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands.

• Fisheries are the most important economic activity.

• In 2009, a new Constitution was established which provides enhanced local democracy, internal self-government and enshrines the right of self-determination. In 2013, the people held a referendum which was overseen by international observers, where 99.8 per cent of the electorate voted to remain a British Overseas Territory.

• Argentina believes the Falklands were illegally taken from it in 1833 and invaded the British colony in 1982. 

• The United Kingdom sent troops and Argentina lost the two-month war for the South Atlantic archipelago in a conflict that claimed the lives of 649 Argentines and 255 British soldiers.

• Argentina still claims the islands. London says the Falklands are a self-governing entity under its protection.

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