Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed concerns about China's involvement with Russia during a meeting with Chinese officials in Beijing, urging them to prevent Chinese companies from supplying Russia's military. In a visit on Friday, which marks the first by a UK Cabinet minister to China since Labour took office in July. Lammy met with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and later held talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two-day trip is part of an effort to reset strained relations, which have been affected by China's stance on the war in Ukraine, espionage allegations, and crackdowns on civil liberties in Hong Kong, a former British colony. The Foreign Office released a statement following the meeting, explaining that Lammy “reaffirmed concerns over China’s supply of equipment to Russia’s military industrial complex, warning that it risks damaging China’s relationships with Europe while sustaining Russia’s war”, according to a report by Associated Press. He urged China to investigate and prevent any such supplies, and both sides agreed to continue discussions on broader geopolitical issues, including the Middle East. Lammy also raised human rights concerns regarding Hong Kong, where he pressed for the release of publisher and activist Jimmy Lai, a British citizen currently in custody. He further voiced concerns about the situation in China's Xinjiang province, echoing calls from human rights groups. Speaking ahead of his trip, Lammy emphasised the importance of addressing "areas of contention" with China, as well as areas where the two countries can cooperate in the UK's national interest. Wang Yi, in turn, stressed the need for greater economic collaboration between China and the UK, despite ongoing disagreements, and stated that China is committed to working with all nations to seek global peace and development. The visit also includes a trip to Shanghai, where Lammy is set to meet with British business leaders. China, including Hong Kong, remains the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner. This visit follows that of former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in 2023, where he emphasised the need for regular dialogue between the UK and China despite their differences. (with inputs from AP)
