Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has emphasised that the rules-based international order is in the "shared interest" of both Britain and China, during a meeting with Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng in Beijing. Speaking as part of a three-day visit to Asia, Ms Cooper acknowledged "areas of disagreement" between London and Beijing but insisted that approaching discussions with "candour and respect" would enhance mutual understanding.
Talks on Global Security
Greeting the minister in the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday, Mr Han hailed a "new chapter in bilateral ties" opened during Sir Keir Starmer's visit to China in January. Ms Cooper, on her first visit to the country, stressed that as two permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and China must collaborate to address global challenges, including conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, and health crises such as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"It is in our shared interest to have a rules-based international order and to find ways to reduce rising geoeconomic tensions," she stated.
Areas of Disagreement
China's relationship with Russia, particularly following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, is expected to be a key topic during bilateral talks lasting several hours. Addressing Mr Han, the Foreign Secretary said: "We will have important issues of shared interest and cooperation and also areas of disagreement, but as the Prime Minister and President Xi have demonstrated, we increase our understanding of one another when we approach these conversations with candour and respect."
She added: "Those frank and constructive discussions can help us make meaningful progress for the benefit of our two countries and the wider world."
Strategic Dialogue
Mr Han noted that an "important consensus" had been reached during Sir Keir's visit, with both leaders agreeing to advance a "comprehensive strategic dialogue" to deepen cooperation amid heightened geopolitical volatility. "Their important consensus has opened a new chapter for bilateral ties," he said. "We need to intensify interactions and strengthen dialogue and cooperation for the sake of world peace and stability and for the growth of our respective economies."
He emphasised that "shouldering our responsibilities as major countries" together would bring "great benefits to our two countries as well as the entire world."
Human Rights and Espionage Concerns
Critics have urged the Labour government to adopt a tougher stance on Beijing, including over the treatment of the Uighur population and the imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai, issues the Foreign Secretary is likely to raise. However, the Government views engagement with major economies like China as vital to protecting Britain's security amid global instability, pledging to cooperate where possible and challenge where necessary.
Despite efforts to thaw what Sir Keir has called a diplomatic "ice age" between the two countries, the Foreign Office delegation are using "burner" phones throughout the trip, reflecting ongoing concerns about Chinese espionage.
Cultural Visit and Further Talks
Ms Cooper later visited the Forbidden City, where she toured the world's largest imperial palace complex before meeting her counterpart Wang Yi for further discussions at the Diaoyutai State Guest House. She will then travel to Shenzhen, a major technology hub, to discuss potential trade links and "the challenges of the future of AI as it rapidly changes our world."
Following her China visit, the Foreign Secretary will head to Delhi on Thursday to meet Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Those talks are expected to cover the Middle East, with a focus on maritime security amid Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing tensions around the key global shipping lane.
