British diplomat visits China for the first time in five years

British diplomat James Cleverley began an official visit to China today as the two countries struggle to stabilize bilateral relations that have deteriorated in recent years.

This is the first trip by a British foreign secretary to China in more than five years, highlighting the crisis in relations caused by the curtailment of civil liberties in Hong Kong, a former British colony, and abuses against ethnic minorities of Muslim origin in the Xinjiang region. , in northwest China, or the approach of Beijing to Moscow.

Skillfully met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng for the first time, who said that this visit “will promote the further healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.”

At the end of today, Clever will meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, who is the Communist Party’s chief foreign affairs chief and who recently resumed his old post as foreign minister after his disappearance. .

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijing hopes the British side will work with China to “maintain the spirit of mutual respect, deepen exchanges, strengthen mutual understanding and promote the stable development of Sino-British relations.”

Cleverly said that he would raise sensitive issues like Xinjiang and Hong Kong. He said he would bring to the attention of Chinese officials that China’s growing influence comes with responsibilities on the world stage, including helping stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and reducing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak intends to take a differentiated, non-confrontational approach with Beijing. Sunak called China a “systemic challenge” to British values ​​and interests, but also stressed the need to maintain a relationship with an Asian power.