The British government is cautiously stepping into what it describes as a “new starting point” in its relationship with China, while avoiding terminology that suggests a “reset.” This comes as Labour strives to define its own approach to engaging with the global power.
The UK-China relationship has been fraught with tensions for years, and there is a clear intention to re-establish a more stable connection. Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently met with British business leaders in Shanghai, emphasizing the need for increased diplomacy. “What you need is more diplomacy, not less,” he stated, noting discussions around contentious topics like the situation in Hong Kong.
On Friday, Lammy had a pivotal meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Wang remarked, “The world is facing unprecedented challenges, and competition between major countries should not dominate this era.”
Labour aims for a “pragmatic” policy regarding China, looking to enhance trade ties despite existing disagreements over human rights concerns and the treatment of activists, such as British citizen Jimmy Lai, currently facing prosecution in Hong Kong.
The government is reportedly conducting an “audit” of its relationship with China, expected to be completed next year. This comes amidst Western discontent with China’s support for Russia, particularly in supplying machinery and tools that aid the war effort in Ukraine. Furthermore, the U.S. and Europe have expressed concerns about China’s overproduction of electric vehicles, which has led to price declines in the global market.
China asserts that its green technology is essential for a sustainable future and that it has the right to continue developing its economy. Nevertheless, the UK has remained largely silent on China’s increased exports of electric vehicles, solar panels, and batteries.
With the previous British government labeling China as an “epoch-defining” challenge, Labour is now faced with the task of swiftly formulating its China policy to address these pressing issues without delay.
Credit: Sky News
