In a bid to reset the UK-China relationship, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy embarked on a two-day visit to Beijing on Friday, October 18. This marks the first ministerial visit to China under the new Labour government led by Sir Keir Starmer. The UK government aims for a ‘pragmatic approach’ in navigating the complex relationship, striving for cooperation where possible while acknowledging areas of competition and challenge. This approach, however, faces significant hurdles due to China’s continued cyberattacks on the UK and other Western nations, its ongoing espionage activities, and its unwavering support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Upon arrival in Beijing, Lammy met with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and is scheduled to hold talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi later in the day. He is also slated to meet business leaders in Shanghai on Saturday. Ahead of the visit, Lammy emphasized the necessity of engaging with China to protect UK and global interests. He stated, “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.”
The British Foreign Office (FO) acknowledges the inherent complexities in the UK-China relationship, highlighting significant differences in areas such as democratic values and freedoms, Hong Kong, and China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Despite these differences, the FO recognizes shared interests like the global green energy transition and the vast economic ties between the two nations. China, including Hong Kong, is the UK’s fourth largest trading partner. The FO states, “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.”
This visit comes on the heels of a phone call in August between Sir Keir Starmer and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the first such call between a British Prime Minister and Xi since 2022. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Lammy’s visit is at Beijing’s invitation and will involve “in-depth discussion” on matters raised during the August phone call. Lammy’s visit is considered a crucial step in the new Labour government’s efforts to “set the direction” of UK-China relations, with Lammy tasked with developing a detailed China policy as part of the reset.
Despite the stated desire for a reset, significant irritants persist in the UK-China relationship. China’s relentless cyberattacks and espionage activities continue to target the UK and the West. Recent reports indicate that Chinese cyberattacks have successfully infiltrated critical British infrastructure. Moreover, China’s continued support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and aggression against Europe fuels tension. China, along with Russia, North Korea, and Iran, has formed a bloc opposed to the West, aiming to undermine Western influence and establish a new world order.
The visit to Beijing will test the limits of the ‘pragmatic approach’ and reveal whether cooperation is truly possible amidst the multitude of challenges and areas of contention.