BEIJING: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to visit China this week, according to announcements from both Beijing and Downing Street on Thursday. This visit marks the first by a senior UK official since Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office in July.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, confirmed that Lammy will make an official visit from October 18 to 19. A spokesperson from Downing Street stated that Lammy aims to “challenge” China while also seeking “necessary pragmatic engagement.”
Mao noted that the two nations would engage in “in-depth exchanges on implementing the consensus reached by their leaders” during an August phone call.
She emphasized the significance of the relationship, stating, “China and the UK are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major world economies. The long-term stable development of bilateral relations aligns with the common interests of both countries.”
Mao expressed hopes for “boosting strategic mutual trust and strengthening dialogue and cooperation in all fields,” adding that China is ready to work with the UK to maintain openness and foster the steady development of their relationship.
The Downing Street spokesperson reiterated the UK’s approach, stating, “We will challenge China where necessary and seek a consistent, long-term strategic approach to managing the UK’s position on China.”
Relations between the UK and China have significantly deteriorated since former Prime Minister David Cameron’s 2015 declaration of a “Golden Age” in ties. Lammy’s predecessor in the role, James Cleverly, visited China in August 2023 and addressed human rights issues in meetings with senior officials.