UK Government Seeks ‘New Starting Point’ with China Amid Urgent Policy Reevaluation

The government cautiously approaches a 'new beginning' with China – urgency required in determining its position

The past administration in Britain labeled China as a "generation-defining" challenge, and it is now up to the Labour Party to establish its own diplomatic ties with the international giant.

Asia correspondent Nicole Smith (@nicole_reporter)

Saturday, October 19, 2024, 2:

The UK government is cautiously avoiding the term "reset" to describe Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to China, opting instead to label it as a "new starting point" in the bilateral ties.

It can be challenging to discern the distinction.

The relationship between the UK and China has experienced instability for some time, and there seems to be a clear effort underway to improve and stabilize it.

Mr. Lammy has held meetings with British business executives in Shanghai.

"The foreign secretary stated, "I think the solution is increased diplomatic efforts, not fewer." He added, "I managed to engage in discussions with the Chinese regarding contentious issues, including Hong Kong."

Last Friday, Mr. Lammy held a meeting with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Beijing.

Mr. Yi stated, "We are currently experiencing challenges like never before, and rivalry among leading nations should not define our times."

The Labour Party is aiming for a "practical" approach towards China policy.

This involves strengthening its commercial relationships, despite divergences with Beijing on matters such as the legal actions against pro-democracy campaigners, such as British national Jimmy Lai, in Hong Kong.

Officials are conducting a comprehensive review of the nation's ties with China, with expectations that it will be completed by next year.

Western nations are in conflict with China due to its provision of machinery, tools, and semiconductors to Russia, which are being used in the conflict with Ukraine.

The United States and European nations have leveled accusations against China for its "overproduction" of electric vehicles, alleging that it manufactures more than the global market can accommodate, which in turn depresses prices.

China asserts that its eco-friendly technology is essential for global efforts to shift towards a more sustainable future, and maintains that it is entitled to pursue economic development.

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Despite the significant growth in China's exports of electric vehicles, solar panels, and batteries, the UK has maintained a mostly silent stance.

The former UK administration labeled China as a challenge of historic significance.

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The Labour Party is currently refining its approach towards China, yet it needs to act quickly.

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