中文
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy in Beijing, China, October 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
By Masuda Khatun
During British Foreign Secretary David Lammy's meeting with Chinese high-ranking officials on October 18, including Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides emphasized implementing the crucial consensus reached by their leaders during their phone conversation in August. The discussions focused on strengthening strategic mutual trust, enhancing strategic communication and promoting pragmatic collaboration across various domains, ranging from trade to international affairs, with the goal of advancing China-UK relations into a new stage after years of frosty ties.
A thaw in bilateral ties was also indicated by Lammy saying his government is committed to strengthening dialogue and collaboration with China in a coherent and mutually respectful manner that aligns with the long-term interests of both, while effectively managing differences and upholding diplomatic commitments regarding the one-China principle.
Wang said China-UK relations have developed through history and now stand at a new starting point.
As the Labor government says it wants non-confrontational ties and UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasizes "more engagement with China," it is imperative and urgent to clear up the misunderstandings created by the previous administrations and chart a new beginning with a positive spirit to achieve more win-win benefits and positive global impacts.
While David Cameron's tenure ushered in a "golden period" of China-UK relations, far-right conservatives and anti-China hawks undermined those gains, isolating Britain. In the four quarters to the end of the first quarter of 2024, China-UK trade was 86.5 billion pounds (around $113 billion), a decline of 21.1 percent from the same period in 2023. China was the sixth largest trading partner of the UK, down from third place in just three years.
However, Beijing and London can now move past the artificial animosity created by some anti-China elements in the UK, viewing each other as partners rather than rivals, with shared interests which outweigh their differences.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy in Beijing, China, October 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Labor Party's pragmatic and nuanced approach to China reflects a historical understanding of the relationship's huge potential. The two nations' choice of a new starting point is a practical one based on the new Labor government's perception of the ties, especially in light of the recent loss of the UK's own national interests due to the "decoupling" strategy of the previous governments and the broader international landscape.
The UK is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities offered by China's sizable market, its market reforms and opening-up, and favorable business environment. Thus, it makes sense for the UK to pursue a cordial relationship with China.
To address its economic and unemployment challenges, and achieve a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship, the post-Brexit UK needs not only more practical recalibration and comprehensive economic engagement with the world's second largest economy, but also enhanced political and multilateral engagement. As both countries are among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and the UK have a shared responsibility for global peace and stability. Strengthening their collaboration serves the long-term interests of both, aiding their own development while addressing global concerns together.
Moving forward, the UK needs a comprehensive, strategic and consistent China policy built upon sincerity, constructive dialogue, regular exchanges and non-interference in China's core internal affairs. It also needs to reject bloc politics in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the "China threat" narrative.
In the face of the EU's decision to impose tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, Reynolds confirmed that Britain has no plans to follow suit, underscoring London's pragmatic stance, and demonstrating the UK is willing to cooperate with China in advancing free trade, build a fair market system for Chinese companies and oppose trade protectionism.
As Lammy underlined, there should be no "iron curtain" between the two countries. To unlock untapped potential, the UK should depoliticize trade, remove political constraints, adhere to the principle of non-interference, defy the human rights hype and implement genuine "strategic autonomy," which means eschewing Washington's hegemonic diplomatic umbrella. Despite the differences in their political systems, economies and cultures, China and the UK can respect each other's human right approaches.
Lammy's visit marks an important turning point for both nations, offering a new start to rebuild trust, focus on long-term cooperation and establish a stable and enduring partnership.
Masuda Khatun, a special commentator for CGTN, is a freelance writer based in Bangladesh, specialized in international affairs.
