The Rt Hon David Lammy MP recently spent two days in China, emphasising that the UK will take a consistent, strategic and pragmatic approach to its dealings with the country
Prior to leaving for China on what is only the second such trip by a top UK minister in six years, Mr Lammy said that “engagement with China is pragmatic and necessary to support UK and global interests…we must speak often and candidly across both areas of contention as well as areas for cooperation in the UK’s national interest”.
Mr Lammy’s visit began with meetings with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang (the most senior of China’s vice premiers) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Friday, 18 October.
In his meeting with Mr Lammy, the vice premier referred to the recent phone call between President Xi and Prime Minister Starmer, during which they reached an important consensus on strengthening cooperation and exchanges across various fields, providing clear direction for the development of bilateral relations. Mr Ding said: “China is willing to work with the UK, with a strategic and long-term perspective, to build a stable and mutually beneficial relationship. By upgrading practical cooperation across all sectors, both countries and their peoples will benefit, and greater momentum will be injected into global peace and prosperity.”
In his meeting with Mr Lammy, Chinese Foreign Minister Mr Wang said that “China-Britain relations… now stand at a new starting point” and stressed that competition among major powers should not be the backdrop of this era.
The Foreign Secretary mentioned scope for “mutually beneficial cooperation” in areas such as climate, energy, science, trade and tech, while cautioning that Britain would “always put its national interests and national security first”.
On Saturday 19 October, Tom Simpson, Managing Director, China, CBBC, co-chaired a business roundtable in Shanghai with the Foreign Secretary.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for Mr Lammy to hear the views of British businesses from across a diverse range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, consumer, automotive, education, and energy.
During the roundtable, Mr Lammy highlighted the new government’s approach to establishing stable and consistent engagement with China. Lammy also reflected on the role British business will play in supporting the UK government’s economic growth mission and net zero ambitions.
On behalf of CBBC and our members, Tom Simpson provided insights into the challenges and opportunities facing British business in China, while highlighting the importance of attracting Chinese investment to the UK.
Photo: Ben Dance / FCDO
“As I said in my comments to the Foreign Secretary, his visit to China is a real boost for the morale of the British business community,” Simpson commented. “We are encouraged by the new government’s approach and the prospect of sensible and hopefully sustained engagement with China. British business needs the backing of our government more than ever to ensure our companies can continue to succeed in China, and channel the economic benefits back to the UK”.
Following the roundtable with British business, the Foreign Secretary met with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng before attending a reception at the Museum of Art Pudong organised by the British Council and the Shanghai British Consulate. The reception was attended by around 200 representatives from business, education, arts and culture.
Commenting on Mr Lammy’s China visit, CBBC Chief Executive Peter Burnett emphasised that the organisation is, “very encouraged by the Foreign Secretary’s visit to China. This is the first senior visit from the new government and sends a positive signal about the vital importance of our bilateral relationship”.
“CBBC believes that such visits are key in underpinning strong economic engagement which not only supports our member companies with business in China but will also contribute to the government’s growth agenda”.
