- The Prime Minister announces
doubling UK funding for 2024/25 to build expertise on China.
- Will boost Mandarin language skills
and UK’s ability to engage with and understand China, while
protecting national security.
The Prime Minister, , is increasing funding to
further boost skills and knowledge for government
staff on China, including on economic and military policy as well
as Mandarin language skills.
Extra financial support will be provided for the cross-department
‘China Capabilities Programme’ which operates to increase Chinese
expertise across the UK government.
Since the last Integrated Review in 2021, the government has
taken a number of steps to increase knowledge of and expertise on
China, including provision for the training of more than 170
civil servants in Mandarin.
The Foreign Secretary, , said:
“It’s vital that our diplomats and civil servants have the
understanding and expertise to engage and adapt to the increasing
challenge posed by China, and China’s growing role in world
affairs.
“This extra resource will help boost knowledge and
language skills across government, in the face of the
systemic challenge that China poses to the UK’s security,
prosperity, and values.”
The Integrated Review Refresh launched today (Monday 13 March)
sets out how - in the last two years - the UK has become
increasingly concerned about the military, diplomatic and
economic activity of the Chinese Communist Party.
This includes military activity over Taiwan, attempts at
coercion, and the sanctioning of British MPs. China is becoming
more authoritarian at home and more assertive overseas.
This increase in funding is another example of the action the UK
is taking to ensure effective engagement with China, while
protecting national security.
Notes to editors:
A smaller pilot programme was launched last year, which
delivered:
- The training of 170 civil servants
in Mandarin, with 20 going through a language immersion programme
in Taiwan.
- Training to hundreds of HMG staff,
increased China expertise in the tech and military sectors.
Courses also delivered on culture, government structures and
policymaking.
- Establishment of the China experts’
advisory group to test and inform Government policymaking, with a
broad range of external specialists.
