Britain’s Foreign Minister David Lammy embarked on a critical diplomatic mission to China this week, marking the first official visit by a Cabinet minister since the Labour Party took office in July 2024. In a bid to reset bilateral relations, which have grown tense in recent years, Lammy described engagement with China as “pragmatic and necessary,” highlighting the complex yet essential nature of UK-China ties.
The two-day trip comes at a time when the UK and China find themselves on opposite sides of several global flashpoints, from the war in Ukraine to human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Lammy’s visit underscores the Labour government’s approach to international diplomacy: a blend of pragmatic engagement and frank discussions, aimed at addressing both contentious issues and opportunities for cooperation.
On Friday, Lammy met with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang in Beijing, before holding discussions with Foreign Minister Wang Yi later in the day. The meetings, described as frank but cordial, focused on key international issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, trade relations, and human rights concerns. According to the UK Foreign Office, Lammy’s objectives during the trip included urging China to cease its political and economic support for Russia’s war effort and addressing the broader geopolitical implications of China’s growing influence on the global stage.
“From stopping Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine to supporting a global green transition, we must speak often and candidly across both areas of contention as well as areas for cooperation in the UK’s national interest,” Lammy said in a Foreign Office press release.
The timing of the visit is significant, coming just a day after the United States imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies accused of aiding Russia in its development of long-range attack drones. The sanctions highlight the increasingly intertwined relationship between China and Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict. In response to the sanctions, the Chinese Embassy in Washington categorically denied the allegations, further deepening tensions between China and Western nations.
Lammy’s task was to walk a fine line—pushing China on issues where British and global interests are at stake, while avoiding a full diplomatic rupture in a relationship that remains vital for trade and broader international stability.
UK-China relations have soured in recent years, with significant friction arising over China’s handling of civil liberties in Hong Kong, allegations of Chinese espionage in the UK, and Beijing’s position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Under the previous Conservative government, ties with Beijing reached a low point, exacerbated by the UK’s criticism of China’s human rights record, particularly concerning the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang and the imposition of the national security law in Hong Kong.
The Labour government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has signaled a shift in approach—one that prioritizes a mixture of critical dialogue and practical engagement. Starmer’s spokesperson emphasized that securing the release of British citizens detained in China remains a high priority, referring specifically to the case of Jimmy Lai, a British media tycoon and prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong.
Lai, who has been in custody since December 2020, is facing charges under Hong Kong’s controversial national security law. His high-profile case has become emblematic of the shrinking space for political dissent in the former British colony, and the Labour government has made it clear that his release is a top agenda item in UK-China negotiations.
Human rights organizations have called on Lammy to use his trip as an opportunity to raise concerns over not only Hong Kong but also the repression of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet. “This visit must not shy away from addressing the deep concerns over human rights abuses in China,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International, adding that the UK’s credibility on the global stage rests in part on its willingness to challenge Beijing on these issues.
While political and human rights issues dominate headlines, economic ties between the UK and China remain significant. China, including Hong Kong, is the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totaling over £100 billion annually. During his visit, Lammy is set to visit Shanghai, China’s financial hub, where he will meet with British business leaders and discuss opportunities for deepening trade and investment ties.
The UK’s reliance on Chinese goods, particularly in sectors like technology and consumer products, makes the economic relationship with Beijing crucial despite ongoing political tensions. However, the Labour government is also keen to diversify its supply chains and reduce overdependence on Chinese imports, particularly in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals and telecommunications.
Lammy’s meetings with business leaders are expected to explore ways to expand British exports to China, while also ensuring that UK companies operating in China can navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environment. Post-Brexit, the UK has been eager to secure new trade partnerships across the globe, and China’s vast market represents a significant opportunity for British businesses.
While economic cooperation is essential, the security challenges posed by China’s global ambitions cannot be ignored. British intelligence agencies have raised concerns over Chinese espionage, including allegations that Chinese operatives have attempted to infiltrate key sectors of the UK economy and political system. These issues have strained diplomatic ties in recent years, and Lammy’s visit represents a chance to recalibrate the relationship while addressing these legitimate security concerns.
The UK is not alone in grappling with the complexities of its relationship with China. Across the West, nations are debating how best to engage with a rising China—balancing economic interests with the need to uphold democratic values and counter Beijing’s authoritarian influence.
One area of particular concern for the UK and its allies is China’s support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine. While Beijing has stopped short of providing direct military assistance to Moscow, its political and economic backing of the Russian government has been a major point of contention in the international community. During his visit, Lammy was expected to press Chinese officials to adopt a more neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict and to cease any form of assistance that could prolong the war.
Despite the many areas of contention between the UK and China, there are also opportunities for cooperation—particularly in the realm of climate change. Both nations have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the coming decades, and China’s role as the world’s largest carbon emitter makes it a critical player in the global fight against climate change.
Lammy emphasized the importance of collaboration on green initiatives during his meetings in Beijing. “We must work together to support a global green transition,” he said, underscoring the need for joint efforts to tackle climate change, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable development, and environmental protection.
China has made significant strides in recent years in its development of renewable energy technologies, including solar and wind power. The UK, which has been a leader in offshore wind energy, sees potential for collaboration with China on clean energy projects, as well as opportunities to share expertise in environmental policy and technology.
By focusing on climate change as an area of mutual interest, the UK hopes to build a foundation for more constructive dialogue with China, even as difficult conversations on security and human rights continue.
David Lammy’s visit to China represents a significant moment in UK-China relations—a chance to reset ties after years of diplomatic strain. The Labour government’s approach to China, centered on pragmatic engagement, reflects a broader shift in Western foreign policy towards Beijing, as countries seek to balance economic cooperation with the need to address security challenges and human rights abuses.
While the road ahead is likely to be fraught with challenges, Lammy’s visit underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with China, even as the UK continues to assert its values on the global stage. Whether this visit will lead to a meaningful improvement in UK-China relations remains to be seen, but it is clear that both sides recognize the importance of dialogue in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
As Lammy wraps up his visit with meetings in Shanghai, the UK government will be watching closely to see whether his efforts to reset the relationship with China bear fruit. In the meantime, the world will continue to grapple with the question of how best to engage with a rising China—balancing the need for cooperation on global challenges like climate change with the imperative to stand firm on issues of security, democracy, and human rights.
