Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to visit China this week and will urge the country to stop supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. The UK government has stated that it will continue to challenge China where necessary, despite the resumption of high-level diplomatic engagement. China has faced allegations of human rights abuses against the Uyghur minority group and the unlawful detention of British citizen Jimmy Lai. Concerns have also been raised about China’s activities in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and UK universities, as well as its support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
Lammy, who previously described China’s treatment of Uyghurs as a “genocide,” is under pressure from various political groups and human rights organizations to take a tough stance on these issues during his visit. The Foreign Office emphasized that engagement with Beijing is vital due to its rising global power and that Lammy’s visit would mark the beginning of a stable and pragmatic approach towards China.
During his trip, Lammy is expected to meet with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss foreign affairs as well as trade and climate policies. He will also hold talks with British businesses in Shanghai regarding economic links between the two countries.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described the government’s approach towards China as one of cooperation where possible but also competition and challenge when necessary. Starmer criticized China for holding large-scale military exercises around Taiwan earlier this week, stating that they were not conducive to peace and stability.
In Parliament, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accused China of carrying out unwarranted military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and urged Lammy to condemn these actions during his meetings in Beijing. Sunak also raised concerns about Chinese influence within UK universities.
The Foreign Office emphasized that while there are significant differences between the UK and China on issues such as democratic values, Hong Kong, and support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, there are also shared interests including a global green energy transition and deep economic links.
this visit represents an important opportunity for diplomatic engagement between the UK and China while acknowledging areas of disagreement.