British Foreign Secretary David Lammy embarks on a diplomatic visit to China to reset relations and address key issues such as Beijing’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
During his two-day trip, Lammy met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and avoiding escalation in tensions between the two countries. While aiming to strengthen trade ties, the visit also highlighted disagreements over the Ukraine conflict, crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, and allegations of Chinese espionage.
One of the focal points of the visit was urging China to cease its support for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, despite China claiming neutrality in the conflict. The contentious issue of Hong Kong’s national security law, which erodes freedoms guaranteed under its mini-constitution, was also on the agenda.
Human Rights Watch urged Lammy to prioritize human rights in his discussions, reflecting the UK’s commitment to international law. The Labour administration’s tough stance on China, including measures to combat hacking and espionage, demonstrates a shift in UK-China relations.
Lammy’s visit signifies a significant diplomatic effort, as he becomes only the second top UK diplomat to visit China in six years. The trip includes meetings with Chinese officials and British business leaders to address various economic and political challenges.
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