UK's Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, embarks on a comprehensive visit to China and Hong Kong, commencing this Friday. The purpose of her visit is to advance and
safeguard British interests in the region.
During her trip, Minister Trevelyan will travel to Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tianjin, engaging in discussions with authorities and various segments of society. These engagements will include meetings with officials in Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as interactions with representatives from UK businesses, academia, media, and civil society.
The agenda of Minister Trevelyan's discussions encompasses a wide spectrum of topics concerning the UK-China relationship. This includes emphasizing the significance of collaboration on global issues such as addressing the conflict in Ukraine, promoting stability in the Middle East, and combating climate change. Given China's status as the foremost investor in sustainable energy and the largest carbon emitter, dialogue on these matters is crucial.
Additionally, the Minister will address areas of concern, notably human rights issues in Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
Expressing her intentions, Minister Trevelyan underscores the necessity for China to play a constructive role in addressing pressing foreign policy challenges, such as the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. In Hong Kong, she will raise concerns regarding the implementation of national security laws and emphasize the importance of trade relations. In Beijing, she will assert the UK's stance on upholding international commitments and human rights.
Furthermore, the Minister aims to enhance collaboration between the UK and China on global issues, ranging from ensuring AI safety to combating climate change.
Minister Trevelyan emphasizes the importance of direct, face-to-face discussions to convey the UK's positions clearly to decision-makers in Beijing and Hong Kong. This approach aims to foster constructive dialogue and address pertinent issues affecting both nations. Photo by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.