On October 18, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy engaged in talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Following the meeting, the British side released a summary that highlighted several key topics discussed, including trade investment, economic growth, green transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), global health, the war in Ukraine, human rights, and issues related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
Notably, the British summary did not mention Taiwan or the Taiwan Strait, nor did it address peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific or Asia-Pacific regions.
In contrast, a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry indicated that Wang Yi emphasized that Taiwan and Hong Kong are internal matters for China. The Chinese side also claimed that Lammy conveyed Britain’s intention to adhere to its so-called “commitments made during diplomatic recognition” regarding Taiwan, and that there should not be a “Iron Curtain” between the UK and China.
The British Foreign Ministry stated that Lammy underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral engagement, given that both countries are permanent members of the UN Security Council. He articulated that both nations play a significant global role and have a responsibility to collaboratively seek pragmatic solutions to complex challenges.
The Foreign Ministry pointed out that there are clear areas for practical and mutually beneficial cooperation between the UK and China, including global green transformation, development cooperation, public health, and the secure application of AI.
Lammy reiterated his commitment to promoting “secure and resilient” economic growth through increased trade and investment activities, which he argued would create jobs, drive innovation, enhance productivity, and provide “stability and certainty” for the UK economy.
The British government noted that both sides agree on the potential for the UK and China to “support each other’s growth objectives,” highlighting that China is the world’s second-largest economy and the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner.
Additionally, Lammy raised a series of foreign policy and security issues with the Chinese government, including Russia’s war against Ukraine. He explained why “peace in Europe and an end to the war” aligns with the shared interests of both countries. Lammy expressed concerns over China’s supply of equipment to the Russian military, suggesting that such actions could damage China’s relationship with Europe.
The British Foreign Ministry reported that Lammy urged Wang Yi to take all necessary measures to prevent Chinese companies from becoming suppliers to the Russian military and to carry out related investigations.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions on this and other broader foreign policy issues, such as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Human rights were also on the agenda, with discussions addressing the situation in Xinjiang. Lammy referred to “human rights” as a critical area for bilateral communication, even amid differing viewpoints.
The talks also encompassed the situation in Hong Kong, with Lammy expressing “serious concerns” regarding the implementation of the National Security Law and the continued treatment of UK national Jimmy Lai, again calling for Lai’s release.
The British Foreign Ministry characterized today’s discussions as “constructive” for all aspects of UK-China bilateral relations. Both sides agreed that maintaining open channels of communication is vital and committed to holding regular ministerial meetings between their respective governments.
On the other hand, the Chinese statement claimed that a key consensus was reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their call in August about enhancing communication and deepening cooperation, which was said to bolster confidence in bilateral collaboration.
Wang Yi also mentioned a film depicting how Chinese fishermen courageously rescued British soldiers during World War II, noting the historical foundation of UK-China relations and the “new starting point” they find themselves at today.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry indicated agreement on “fully restoring” dialogue and cooperation mechanisms across various fields, reaffirming China’s commitment to “genuine multilateralism.”
In addition to Wang Yi, Lammy held discussions with Liu Jianchao, head of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.
