British diplomatic chief embarks on first trip to China in five years – The World

British Foreign Minister James has wisely embarked on an official visit to China today as the two countries try to stabilize bilateral relations that have deteriorated in recent years.

It was the first visit by a UK foreign secretary to China in more than five years, highlighting a strain in relations caused by citizenship restrictions in the former British colony of Hong Kong and abuses against minorities of Muslim origin in the Xinjiang region. In northwest China, or the approach between Beijing and Moscow.

Wise first met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, who said the visit would “further promote the strong and stable development of bilateral relations.”

Wise will later today meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, the Communist Party’s top cadre of foreign affairs and, after his recent demise, resumes his old post as foreign minister. .

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijing hopes the British side will work with China to “establish a sense of mutual respect, deepen exchanges, improve mutual understanding and promote the steady development of Sino-British relations.”

He said that he would wisely raise important issues like Xinjiang and Hong Kong. He said he would convey to Chinese officials that China’s growing influence carries responsibilities on the world stage — including helping to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and reducing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak prefers to adopt a different and less adversarial approach in relations with Beijing. Sunak described China as a “systemic challenge” to Britain’s values ​​and interests, but also underlined the need to maintain relations with the Asian powerhouse.