Cleverly’s one-day visit is a cause for cautious optimism
- The British foreign secretary’s trip to Beijing did not result in lucrative deals or landmark agreements. But the fact it took place at all is a step in the right direction towards improved relations
The last time a British foreign secretary visited China, five years ago, there was talk of deepening the “vital” relationship between the two nations and expanding trade. Since then, the world has changed.
Britain is no longer in the European Union and has had three changes of prime minister. The pandemic has left both countries facing tough economic challenges and there is war in Ukraine.
Ties have taken several turns for the worse. There have been many flashpoints amid broader tensions between China and the West, including over Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan.
The visit by British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Beijing on August 30 was brief, only lasting a day. He met Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice-President Han Zheng. The trip did not result in lucrative deals or landmark agreements. It was not expected to.
But the fact it took place at all is a cause for cautious optimism. A resumption of regular face-to-face meetings and meaningful dialogue is needed if relations are to improve.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is seeking to pursue a “multifaceted” approach to China. This involves standing up for what it sees as its national interests while simultaneously seeking engagement.
Britain needs to boost trade ties with Beijing, three years after Brexit, if it is to stabilise and improve its economy. China is one of the UK’s top trading partners.
But the British government will tread carefully amid criticism from hawks at home. Parliament’s foreign affairs committee issued a report last week describing Taiwan as an independent country for the first time and calling for a more assertive British policy on China. The pressure is unlikely to relent with a general election due next year.
China, UK agree to maintain dialogue to try to keep ties stable
Cleverly’s visit, however, is a start. The two sides pledged to maintain a direct and honest channel of communication. Wang stressed that, despite ongoing “disturbances”, dialogue and cooperation are key. Cleverly recognised China’s role in international governance and agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges.
Britain and China will not easily resolve their differences. But there are many areas in which cooperation will benefit both. It is encouraging that the UK wants to invite China to a global artificial intelligence summit in November despite opposition from the United States, Europe and Japan. Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po is set to visit the UK in September to promote trade with the city.
Sunak declared last year that the “golden era” of relations between Britain and China is over. That cannot be denied. But Britain wants to re-engage and Cleverly’s visit allowed it to test the water. The trip should provide the momentum for further meetings in the future – a step in the right direction.
