Labour has issued a warning to China that it will respond to any interference in UK democracy, following the government's announcement of fresh sanctions against hackers linked to Beijing.
The warning was delivered during the party's first public meeting with the Chinese government since Keir Starmer became Labour leader. Shadow Asia minister Catherine West travelled to Beijing last week for meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Wang Huning and Vice-Foreign Minister Deng Li.
West told the Guardian she raised Labour's concerns about Chinese interference, stating it is something they will act on in government. Labour has committed to a 'clear-eyed' approach and a cross-government audit of UK-China relations.
The delegation also discussed human rights concerns in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and the importance of global cooperation on climate change and support for British businesses in China.
The visit coincided with the UK government's sanctions against a Beijing-linked hacking group and summoning of the Chinese ambassador over cyber-attacks. The delegation stressed that interference in democratic processes is of particular concern given Russia's similar actions.
