TL/DR –
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is on a two-day visit to China aimed at resetting relations and addressing concerns such as the latter’s support for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. While his visit is primarily targeted towards reinforcing trade ties, Lammy also intends to request China to halt its political and economic support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. He will also be raising issues regarding Beijing’s handling of Hong Kong and allegations of Chinese espionage against Britain.
UK Foreign Secretary’s Visit to China: Boosting Trade Relations and Addressing Ukraine Support
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has initiated a two-day visit to China, seeking a “pragmatic” reset of relations amid rising tensions over Beijing’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Lammy met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and expressed that neither nation “has an interest in escalation or greater instability”.
Despite the underlying tensions, Wang welcomed the Labour government’s approach to develop “pragmatic” ties and urged for the two nations to become partners in addressing global challenges. Nonetheless, the backdrop of the visit includes previous conflicts over the Ukraine war, the crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, and allegations of Chinese espionage.
Lammy’s office has stated that he will urge China to halt its political and economic support of the Russian war effort. Beijing, however, insists that it maintains a neutral stance in the conflict and denies selling arms to Moscow.
The handling of Hong Kong by Beijing, where a comprehensive national security law was introduced four years ago, is another significant disagreement. The UK argues that this legislation undermines the special freedoms guaranteed under Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.
Human Rights Watch urged Lammy to prioritize respect for rights in relations with China. Associate China Director Maya Wang mentioned that Lammy’s visit would likely test his commitment to international law in the face of China’s attitude towards these legal frameworks.
The UK Labour administration has initiated an audit of the UK-China relationship and pledged to be “clear-eyed” about China, particularly given allegations of Chinese hacking and espionage on British soil.
Lammy, only the second top UK diplomat to visit China in six years, will meet with British business leaders in Shanghai during his two-day visit.
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