Dominic Johnson, the UK's Minister for Investment, made an official visit to Hong Kong this week, marking the first visit from a senior British official in five years. The visit comes amid

heightened tensions between the UK and Hong Kong, following Beijing's implementation of a national security law in the former colony in 2020.

Johnson's primary goal was to promote the UK as a leading destination for investment and trade, citing shared interests with Hong Kong in financial services, infrastructure, and sustainability. In an opinion piece in the South China Morning Post, Johnson stated that the UK would engage with China and Hong Kong when interests converge but would stand up for its values and take action if Beijing violates international commitments or abuses human rights. Johnson emphasized that the UK, as a co-signatory to the Joint Declaration, would continue to support the people of Hong Kong and hold China accountable for their international obligations.

During his visit, Johnson met with Hong Kong officials and business executives, including Christopher Hui, Hong Kong's Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and CK Hutchison's Chairman, Victor Li, and co-managing director, Canning Fok, to discuss the company's investment plans in the UK. Photo by Lvpars, Wikimedia commons.