Foreign Minister Wang Yi Visits UK for 10th China-UK Strategic Dialogue
During the trip, FM Wang Yi and FS Lammy co-chaired the 10th China-UK Strategic Dialogue, where discussions covered economic cooperation, security, and geopolitical issues.
During the visit, FM Wang Yi made the following points:
- Communication: China and the UK should strengthen dialogue and mutual trust.
- Cooperation: The recent China-UK Financial Dialogue yielded positive results, demonstrating the benefits of practical engagement.
- Global responsibility: As major countries, China and the UK should act responsibly on international issues.
Primer Minister Keir Starmer, who briefly joined FM Wang’s meeting with Mr. Powell, said the following:
- Stability: The UK seeks a “consistent and respectful” relationship with China.
- Engagement: Britain will engage frankly on areas of disagreement while maintaining regular dialogue.
- Collaboration: Areas ripe for further UK-China collaboration include trade, investment, AI, clean energy, and climate change.
FS David Lammy stated that he raised concerns over Ukraine, the Middle East, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, and sanctions on British MPs. FM Wang Yi, in response, outlined China’s position on Ukraine, calling for no escalation and supporting peace talks.
Following the meetings, China’s Foreign Ministry outlined key agreements from the dialogue:
- Energy Dialogue: The UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero will visit China for energy talks.
- Science & Innovation: The UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology will visit China for bilateral cooperation discussions.
- Education: The UK’s Secretary of State for Education will hold ministerial talks in China.
- Trade & Industry: Both sides will accelerate preparations for economic, health, and industrial cooperation forums.
- Financial & AI Cooperation: The UK and China will deepen collaboration on financial services, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.
- Global Challenges: The two sides will expand cooperation on climate change, cybersecurity, and global governance.
FS Wang's visit is just the latest sign of increased UK-China engagement under Labour, a development welcomed by businesses with ties to both countries.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with President Xi Jinping in November 2024 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves last month visited Beijing for the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue.