Lammy Faces Pressure to Make Tough Decisions During China Visit
The foreign secretary emphasized the importance of ‘pragmatic’ relations for the UK’s interests, amid calls for him to address China on issues related to human rights and military activities in Taiwan.
During a two-day visit this week, Foreign Secretary David Lammy plans to urge China to cease its support for Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, asserting that the UK will continue to “challenge” the communist state “where necessary,” the government announced.
The visit symbolizes the restart of high-level diplomatic interaction with China, with the firm acknowledgment that London and Beijing “will not always see eye to eye,” according to the Foreign Office.
China has been accused of ongoing human rights violations against the predominantly Muslim Uyghur minority group and the unlawful detention of British citizen Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong businessman and democracy advocate.
Parliament has expressed concerns this week over China’s actions in the Taiwan Strait, Hong Kong, UK universities, and its support for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
Lammy, who previously labeled China’s treatment of the Uyghurs as “genocide,” is facing pressure from various sectors to take a tough stance on these issues during his first trip to the nation since the Labour government took office.
‘Pragmatic’ Approach
The Foreign Office stressed the importance of engaging with Beijing due to its status as an emerging global power, emphasizing a “stable, consistent, and pragmatic approach” to China.
Lammy is set to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss not only foreign affairs but also broader topics like trade and climate policies.
The Foreign Office stated that Lammy would also engage with British businesses in Shanghai to discuss how economic ties with China contribute to UK growth.
Prior to his departure, Lammy emphasized the need to have frank discussions about areas of disagreement as well as cooperation that serve the national interest of the UK.
“As permanent U.N. Security Council members with major global economies, the UK and China are significant players on the global stage. Our relationship is crucial,” he said.
“Engaging with China is necessary and pragmatic to support UK and global interests.
“From halting Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine to promoting a global transition to green energy, we must engage in frank discussions on both contentious issues and areas of cooperation essential to the UK’s national interest.”
Military Exercises Around Taiwan
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defined the government’s stance towards China as “cooperate where possible, compete where interests differ, challenge where necessary.”
