High Stakes and Tense Talks: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s Crucial China Visit Amid Spying Allegations and Hong Kong Tensions

David Lammy: Foreign secretary confronts challenging and controversial matters during China trip

The UK's ties with China have grown tense after accusations of espionage and cyber-attacks on multiple British entities – accusations that Beijing has denounced as "entirely false".

By Nicole Johnston, covering Asia

Friday, October 18, 2024, 6:

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is traveling to China on Friday for his inaugural visit following the Labour Party's victory in the general election.

Over the course of his two-day visit, which has been officially acknowledged by Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lammy is scheduled to hold discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The relationship between the UK and China has worsened recently, and the UK's approach to dealing with China has been characterized by inconsistency.

This journey could represent an effort by the foreign secretary to rejuvenate ties and formulate a strategic plan for engaging with the world’s second-biggest economy.

There are complex and disputed matters to resolve.

A matter of concern involves Jimmy Lai, a British national and media proprietor.

He is currently facing trial under the National Security Law enacted in Hong Kong in 2020 and is also serving a six-year prison term for fraud.

Further Updates on China

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Taiwan reports a 'record' 125 Chinese planes and 17 naval vessels participated in military drills

China is carrying out significant military exercises near Taiwan following statements from the island's president vowing to oppose any efforts at annexation.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared this week that securing the freedom of the pro-democracy activist remains a top concern for his administration.

The 2019-2020 suppression of pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong, which was previously a British territory, continues to be a contentious issue between China and other nations.

Over 140,000 Hong Kong residents have relocated to the UK following the introduction of a new citizenship route by the British government in 2021. China insists that Hong Kong is a part of China and has warned the UK against interfering in its internal matters.

Tensions in UK-China ties have escalated due to mutual accusations of espionage. The UK has condemned Chinese espionage as "unacceptable," whereas China has dismissed these claims as "completely fabricated."

The United Kingdom has alleged that China is behind cyber attacks on its Electoral Commission and has specifically targeted Members of Parliament critical of China.

In May, it came to light that the payroll system of the UK Ministry of Defence had been breached. While the British government did not specify which nation was implicated, Sky News reported that China was believed to be behind the incident.

China refuted the accusations, stating that it "strongly opposes and combats all types of cyber attacks" and "disapproves of politicizing the matter to tarnish the reputation of other nations."

Dr. Yu Jie, who is a senior research fellow focusing on China at Chatham House, expressed her belief that significant shifts in the relationship between the UK and China are improbable.

Dr. Yu expresses skepticism about achieving a fully positive reset, stating, "A limited reset might be possible, but I anticipate further challenges ahead."

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This visit occurs amid a week filled with heightened tensions in Asia.

On Monday, China executed a large-scale military drill near Taiwan, an island that governs itself independently.

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China has committed to reintegrating Taiwan and considers the use of military force as an option to achieve this. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, however, is focused on preserving the current situation.

On Wednesday, the UK Prime Minister expressed concerns that China's military operations around the Taiwan Strait are undermining peace and stability.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and international news by tuning into Sky News.

During the announcement of David Lammy's visit to China, Mao Ning, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed that "China is prepared to collaborate with the United Kingdom as a partner, maintain openness and cooperation, and foster mutually beneficial and successful outcomes."

The former UK administration labeled China as a "fundamental systemic challenge" that defines an era, impacting both Britain and its partner nations.

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The Chinese embassy in London stated: "The UK invents and exaggerates the so-called threat from China and makes careless comments on China's domestic issues."

Following a prolonged period of bitter exchanges, the upcoming two days may involve open and challenging discussions.

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