David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, recently made headlines with his visit to China, marking a significant moment in UK-China relations. After years of tension, this trip comes over a hundred days into the tenure of the new UK government, signaling a potential thaw in interactions between the two nations. However, experts are cautious, suggesting that while Lammy’s journey aims to bolster communication and economic ties, it does not signal a major shift in the UK’s overall China policy.
This visit is only the second by a UK Foreign Secretary to China in the last six years, reflecting the strained relations that have developed over issues like the Hong Kong protests, human rights concerns, and allegations of espionage by China. According to official UK data, China ranks as the UK’s sixth-largest trading partner, accounting for about 5% of total trade.
Wang Yiwei, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, explained that the Labour Party, seen as a weaker political force, is focusing on economic cooperation in areas like new energy, climate change, and attracting Chinese investments. This strategy aims to ease geopolitical tensions while providing economic benefits through improved bilateral ties.
Before his trip, Lammy emphasized the need for honest dialogue between the UK and China. However, this term “honest dialogue” often implies recognizing differences while still engaging in discussion and action. Analysts expect Lammy to continue pressing China on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and human rights.
On whether this visit indicates a warming of bilateral relations, Li Guanjie, a researcher at Shanghai International Studies University, remarked that Lammy’s trip is designed to establish a “better” communication framework, highlighting economic cooperation as a key entry point. Still, he views this visit as not a decisive turning point in UK policy toward China; the future trajectory remains to be seen.
Li Bin, director of the Academic Committee at Fudan University’s China Studies Institute, echoed this sentiment, noting that while relations may be easing, a full thaw seems unlikely. He pointed out that the UK is facing financial challenges and is seeking to stimulate economic growth through enhanced trade with China. However, the UK may still adopt a critical stance on issues like the Ukraine conflict and Taiwan, a common approach among Western governments.
Deng Yifan, a researcher at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Modern International Relations, remarked on the timing of Lammy’s visit as indicative of the Labour government’s pragmatic approach to China. Since assuming office, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made it clear that the UK will engage with China while prioritizing national interests. This strategy acknowledges the serious divergences between the two countries but recognizes that collaboration on global challenges like climate change, energy security, and economic cooperation remains vital. Lammy’s agenda will focus on these pressing issues, especially amidst growing global uncertainties, aiming to maintain the UK’s influence in international affairs through dialogue.
