LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister Theresa May is attempting to allay disquiet about her surprise delay to a Chinese-backed nuclear power plant by reassuring China's leader that Britain wants strong relations with Beijing.

Foreign Office Minister Alok Sharma delivered a letter from May to President Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing.

May's office did not publish the letter, but said Tuesday it was about "reassuring the Chinese of our commitment to Anglo-Chinese relations."

China's ambassador to Britain, Liu Xiaoming, warned last week that relations were at a "crucial historical juncture" following the U.K. government's delaying of a decision on the Hinkley Point power plant.

May surprised the business world last month by announcing a review of the power project, financed by a Chinese nuclear power provider and French energy giant EDF.