The UK is to take a stable, consistent and pragmatic approach to
China, with engagement vital between two global players. That is
the message the Foreign Secretary will deliver as he lands in
Beijing today.
The Foreign Secretary will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister
Wang Yi in Beijing on Friday (18), with talks which will cover a
breadth of issues, from climate and trade, to global foreign
policy challenges including Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
In Shanghai, the Foreign Secretary will meet with British
business leaders to discuss how our economic links with China
support growth in the UK.
Foreign Secretary said:
“As permanent members of the UN Security Council with major
global economies, the UK and China are global players. Our
relationship matters.
“Engagement with China is pragmatic and necessary to support
UK and global interests. From stopping Russia's illegal invasion
of Ukraine, to supporting a global green transition, we must
speak often and candidly across both areas of contention as well
as areas for cooperation in the UK's national
interest.”
UK diplomatic efforts with China will be one of serious, stable
and pragmatic reengagement across the full spectrum of
government, prioritising the UK's national interests.
This will come with a firm recognition that the UK and China will
not, and do not, always agree. We have significant differences
including on democratic values and freedoms, Hong Kong and
support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine; but we also have
shared interests, including a global green energy transition, and
deep economic links, with China including Hong Kong the UK's
4th largest trading partner.
The Foreign Secretary's visit is a reflection of the consistent,
strategic and pragmatic approach the UK government will take to
managing the UK's relations with China – co-operating where we
can; competing where we need to; and challenging where we must.
