Recalibrating Ties: Britain's New Approach to China

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to visit China to seek less confrontational ties and to resume trade talks. The new Labour government plans to recalibrate previous stances on China, although concerns remain over infrastructure, human rights, and espionage issues.

Britain's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, is preparing for a significant diplomatic visit to China next week. This move marks the Labour government's attempt to create less confrontational ties with the world's second-largest economy and revive crucial trade and investment negotiations.

The recalibration of Britain's diplomatic approach comes after years of strained relations under Conservative leadership, which labeled China as an 'epoch-defining challenge.' Concerns persist over key issues, such as Chinese involvement in infrastructure projects, human rights, and state-controlled media relations.

Details of Lammy's itinerary are still under wraps, according to sources. Meanwhile, plans are underway for another key visit, with British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves considering a trip to China aimed at revitalizing the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue, which stalled since 2019.

(With inputs from agencies.)