Young Chinese go mad for ‘Auntie’ Theresa May and ‘handsome’ husband Philip as she flies in for trade visit

YOUNGSTERS in China have gone mad for “Auntie” Theresa May and her “handsome” husband Philip as the pair arrive for a trade visit.

The Chinese social media site Weibo was flooded with messages of support declaring their love for the Prime Minister and her “good clothes”.

And they have bestowed the nickname “Auntie” - usually reserved for key allies of Beijing – on Mrs May as she embarks on a three-day mission with a host of business leaders.

China Plus, a state-run English-language website, says the moniker has been coined "by the younger generation who are fond of British culture".

And a China Plus video has been widely shared showing a host of students explaining excitably why they are looking forward to her visit.

One says: “Auntie May is a warm expression, just like we call Xi Jinping ‘Uncle Xi’ to show our fondness.”

A female student says: “She has a good sense of fashion and she likes leopard print. Not like the stereotype of a female politician.”

Another says she has made "great efforts" to tackle terrorism and deal with Brexit, adding: “Auntie May – welcome to China!”

There has also been focus on her husband Philip, referred to as "The First Gentleman", with the Xinhua News Agency saying he “is known for his modesty".

Several outlets have run extensive biographies on Mr May, with positive comments on Weibo praising him for the support he offers Theresa and being "a very handsome gentleman".

She will hold trade and investment talks with President Xi Jinping tomorrow after seeing Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing today..

The PM has been receiving a warm welcome from local media, with headlines such as "British Prime Minister visits China to boost the Golden Era" on Reference News.

First coined during President Xi's state visit to the UK to Mrs May’s predecessor David Cameron, it has been the buzzword during talks between the two nations ever since.