New era for Britain dawns with hopes of better China ties
- The coronation of King Charles III comes as the UK’s consul general in Hong Kong looks to an improvement in relations and the benefits that would bring
The coronation of King Charles III on Saturday will involve much traditional pomp and ceremony. Elements of the ritual date back 1,000 years.
But Britain’s new sovereign must look to the future. Thousands will line the streets to watch the royal procession and millions will view the ceremony, the first coronation for 70 years, on television.
There will be street parties on Sunday. The historic – and expensive – event, however, comes at a time when Britain is facing a cost-of-living crisis.
Polls suggest a relatively high level of ambivalence towards the monarchy among British people, especially the young.
Charles, 74, needs to modernise the institution, scaling it back and making it more relevant. This is reflected in arrangements for the coronation.
The guest list and procession route are much shorter than in 1953. Leaders of many different faiths will play a part, as will female bishops, in an attempt to embrace diversity.
President Xi Jinping is among the many heads of state invited. He is expected to be represented by Vice-President Han Zheng.
Meanwhile, the British consulate in Hong Kong is holding a reception and live-streaming the ceremony.
The new era for Britain comes at a time when the country’s relationship with China is in need of a fresh start. There have been tensions and frequent trading of barbs in recent years amid British criticism of political changes in Hong Kong.
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Comments made by Britain’s consul general to the city, Brian Davidson, in an interview with the Post last week, are therefore encouraging. He expressed hopes of a new chapter in ties between the UK and the city.
Davidson was right to point out the potential benefits of engagement not only between the two governments, but also in business, education, investment, arts and culture. The consul general also spoke of the need for officials to discuss differences of opinion privately, rather than using “megaphone diplomacy”.
A return to quiet, rational discussion rather than rhetoric would be welcome. But that will require Britain to play its part and to be aware of the negative impact of public statements that infuriate Beijing.
Davidson’s remarks are in line with a speech by British Foreign Minister James Cleverly last month. Cleverly called for robust and constructive engagement with Beijing, pointing out that no significant global problem can be solved without China.
A visual guide to the coronation of Britain’s King Charles
There will continue to be differences of opinion between Britain and Beijing, including over Hong Kong. But the disagreements should not prevent progress from being made in areas of common interest.
Britain and Hong Kong have much to gain from closer, friendlier ties in a variety of different fields. Both sides should strive to develop a relationship built on trust and confidence in the new Carolean era.
