The relationship between the UK and China has encountered challenges, leading to tensions and a drift from earlier robust ties. Concerns include China's use of force in Taiwan and militarization of disputed islands in the South China Sea. The UK has criticized China's human rights record, cybersecurity risks, and imposition of sanctions. The UK government released an updated iteration of the 2021 integrated review, adjusting its approach to China. The three-pronged approach includes protecting national security, aligning with allies, and engaging with China. The UK-China relationship is complex, focusing on human rights and preserving autonomy in Hong Kong. Economic ties steer the UK's approach, with trade and revenue from Chinese students and tourists being important factors. Despite concerns, the UK aims for a delicate approach, recognizing trade interdependence while upholding principles. [2dc9d678]
In a significant development, David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, visited China in October 2024, marking the second visit by a UK foreign secretary in six years and the first since the Labour Party's election win in July. During his meetings with Chinese officials, including Wang Yi and Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, Lammy emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, although no trade deals were announced. Discussions focused on various topics such as climate change, finance, healthcare, education, and technology. Bilateral trade was approximately US$98 billion last year. Lammy also raised concerns about issues in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and China's ties with Russia. The UK government is conducting a comprehensive audit of its relations with China, expected to be completed next year. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously spoken with Xi Jinping in August, indicating a potential thaw in relations and future official visits. [8d19b9af]
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, U.K. minister of state for the Indo-Pacific region, expresses deep concerns over the loss of autonomy and promised rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. She discusses her visit to mainland China and Hong Kong, where she held discussions with political counterparts. The U.K. is pressing for the lifting of sanctions on U.K. parliamentarians and reiterating its resolve to protect national security from foreign interference. The article also mentions China's Wingtech selling a U.K. chipmaking plant amid security concerns and U.K. lawmakers criticizing the official China policy on news of a spy arrest. [bb3c71a9]
City minister Bim Afolami warns that Britain cannot afford to give the 'cold shoulder' to China on trade, despite growing security concerns posed by Beijing. Afolami emphasizes the importance of engaging with rivals such as China and states that hesitating to do so would mean 'our competitors will write our future for us'. He acknowledges that the UK and China won't always agree on everything but argues that it is in Britain's economic interests to maintain an open trading relationship with China. [5051a71a]
China is hoping the new British government will reset the relationship between the two countries, but it is unlikely to be easy. The government is likely to uphold the relatively friendly approach of Tony Blair's previous Labour administration. Labour has been vague about its plans for China and is still grappling with how to deal with Beijing. A China audit is expected to be announced within the government's first 100 days. The government may join the EU and the US in imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Labour called for heavy penalties on Beijing over human rights issues. Britain has a ballooning trade deficit with China. Britain is in a better condition than the EU to form a coherent China strategy. The relationship between government, parliament, and Whitehall is not working well. It is time to reform the systems that underpin how Britain understands the world. [3f39c69b]
In a recent opinion piece, Cliff Buddle from the South China Morning Post discusses the strained relations between London and Beijing. The new Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to re-engage with China, having initiated a call with President Xi Jinping in August 2024 for 'open, frank and honest' discussions. Peter Mandelson emphasized the need for dialogue and advised both governments to stop mutual criticism. Areas for cooperation highlighted include climate change, AI, finance, and public health. Mandelson noted that China's alignment with Russia could negatively impact its relations with Europe, and he pointed out that trade tensions stem from China's economic policies since joining the WTO in 2001. Regina Ip defended China's industrial policy, arguing that more honest exchanges are essential for improving Sino-British relations. [a144d46f]
Recently, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves emphasized a 'hard-headed, economic realist' approach to China trade, stating that the UK aims to improve relations with China under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Secretary of State David Lammy visited China to discuss cooperation, and the UK government launched a 'China audit' to assess challenges and opportunities. Notably, the UK has no plans for tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, indicating a dual approach of treating China as a competitor while seeking economic benefits. Reeves highlighted that the US's success in exports to China, despite its tough stance, complicates the UK's China policy, suggesting that the UK must develop an independent policy to foster mutual growth. [dbda7f20]