Britain's status as a "leading member of the EU" helps it attract investment from China, David Cameron has said.
The Prime Minister cited the importance of the UK's involvement in the union in an interview ahead of the state visit by Chinese president Xi Jinping next week.
Mr Cameron has committed to hold an in-out referendum on British membership of the EU by the end of 2017, and has refused to rule out campaigning for exit if he does not secure key reforms.
Speaking to China Central Television, the PM said President Xi's visit was a "very important moment" and hailed a "golden era" in ties between the countries.
"Trade is growing, investment is growing, the people-to-people contact is growing not least with the 135,000 Chinese students studying here in Britain," he said.
"Britain is one of the most open economies in the world. We encourage investment, and China is investing more in Britain now than other European countries.
"And the change we will see is obviously the investment into our infrastructure, Chinese companies employing people and creating jobs.
"But I think it's also a big win for China as well, having access to a country that is a leading member of the EU, and has so many other contacts and roles in the world."