Labour is right to forge more trade links with China – not doing so would be folly | Kerry Brown
GuardianJan 19
Chinese Foreign Minister Visits UK for First Time in Decade
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Above: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and China's Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi (R-C) attend a meeting at 1 Carlton Gardens on Feb. 13, 2025 in London, England. Image copyright: James Manning - WPA Pool/Getty Images via Getty Images
The Facts
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conducted the first UK-China Strategic Dialogue since 2018 in London on Thursday. The meeting was also the first official visit to the UK by the Chinese foreign minister in a decade.
According to Lammy, the two spoke about "a wide range of issues" including the Middle East and Ukraine. Lammy claimed that the two would "work together" as trade partners and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while "challeng[ing]" on human rights, Hong Kong, sanctions, and the imprisonment of Jimmy Lai.
The two had met in Beijing in October, while Sir Keir Starmer became the first prime minister to meet Pres. Xi Jinping since Theresa May in 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in November.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Renewing ties with China is essential for economic growth and global relevance. Despite differences, China remains the world’s second-largest economy and offers significant opportunities. As the UK faces post-Brexit challenges and stagnant growth, stronger relations with China could boost key sectors. Pragmatic cooperation would help the UK access China's dynamic markets — fostering mutual benefits while maintaining important dialogue on global issues.
Anti-China narrative
Renewing ties with China risks compromising the UK’s moral standing. While economic interests are important, these should not overshadow Beijing's industrial-scale domestic abuses. China's repression extends beyond its borders, targeting activists even in the UK. By normalizing relations without addressing these violations, the UK may signal tolerance for authoritarianism. Prioritizing trade over human rights could undermine Britain's global leadership on justice and freedom.
