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China and Japan 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
Lead MP
Keir Starmer
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationBrexitForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 62
At a Glance
Keir Starmer raised concerns about china and japan 2026-02-02 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Prime Minister outlined the importance of engaging with both China and Japan to safeguard national interests. He discussed his recent visit, highlighting the strengthening of UK-US relations, resetting ties with the EU, striking a free trade agreement with India, and now, thawing ties with China on more stable terms. The PM emphasised that China is a global economic and political power and engagement is necessary for Britain's security and prosperity.
Tom Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Tugendhat commented sarcastically on the Prime Minister’s approach towards China, suggesting that previous leaders engaged with China more effectively than hiding from it. He implied that engagement should be firm and principled.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
Badenoch criticised the Prime Minister's engagement tactics as naive and short-termist, emphasising that China is an authoritarian state with global influence. She pointed out that despite lifting sanctions on some MPs, these were minor concessions and did not address core issues like human rights abuses.
Steve Kyle
Con
North Antrim
Claims the Prime Minister's economic policy is detrimental to Britain and criticises his lack of influence on China regarding issues such as trade deals, human rights violations, and cyber-attacks.
Harper Badenoch
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Stresses the importance of engaging with hostile nations like China from a position of strength. Criticises the Prime Minister for not prioritising Britain's national interest.
Defends his engagement strategy, highlighting that it involves discussing both opportunities and sensitive issues directly with Chinese leadership. Emphasises raising human rights concerns such as Jimmy Lai’s case during meetings.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Compliments the Prime Minister on securing reduced tariffs for Scotch whisky exports to China but expresses concern about ongoing work needed. Questions whether this will impact tariffs in other markets, such as the US.
Ed Davey
LD
Kingston and Surbiton
Praises Jim Wallace’s dedication to public service and calls for legislation to strip Lord Mandelson of his peerage due to his connection with Jeffrey Epstein. Criticises the Prime Minister's approach as weak.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill
Welcomes engagement but urges a clear China strategy that includes balancing competition and policing Chinese industry. Highlights concerns from European partners about lack of trade measures against China.
Welcomed the Prime Minister's engagement with allies, Japan, and China, and highlighted concerns about partial lifting of sanctions on certain individuals by the Chinese government.
Tom Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Expressed concern over the partial lifting of sanctions on certain individuals by the Chinese government, arguing that it divides and conquers democracy in this place.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Thanked the Prime Minister for his approach to China's engagement and congratulated him on an agreement to crack down on manufacturers of small boat engines, which impacts his constituency. Criticised the Conservative party for not engaging in practical steps.
Luke Taylor
LD
Sutton and Cheam
Asked about the Prime Minister's discussions with President Xi regarding Jimmy Lai’s case and efforts to challenge bounties on dissidents' heads, seeking clarity on whether such issues were addressed in the meeting.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
Thanked the Prime Minister for international leadership that benefits domestically, particularly through disruption of small boat engine supply chains. Asked about concerns regarding TikTok's role in sharing disinformation and misinformation to encourage dangerous journeys.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Supported the Prime Minister’s visit to China despite thin economic gains, urging him to call for Jimmy Lai's release from solitary confinement due to health concerns.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Inquired about Jimmy Lai's health condition and the Prime Minister’s assessment regarding his potential release by 2026, highlighting family communications with the Foreign Secretary.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Asked why the Prime Minister did not offer an unreserved apology for appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US and questioned if he would now take responsibility for potential criminality while in public office.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Criticised the Tory approach during Brexit negotiations, stating that isolation from global neighbours due to a non-engagement strategy is detrimental to Britain's international standing.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Questioned whether engaging with China as a repressive state without moral compass aligns with pragmatic foreign policy, arguing that such engagement undermines democratic values.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Congratulated the Prime Minister on securing visa wins in China and Japan, urging him to ease burdensome visa changes for Japanese institutions like the Japan London school.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Asked about the use of British steel from Lincolnshire in constructing the Chinese super-embassy granted consent, seeking assurance on local job creation.
John Grady
Lab
Glasgow East
Welcomed engagement with China to prevent nuclear proliferation and mitigate risks associated with a growing nuclear power like China, especially post the US-Russia START treaty.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
It is right that the Prime Minister goes to China if he is acting in the best interests of all those living here. Last year, the Joint Committee on Human Rights undertook an inquiry into transnational repression. In front of us, we had Chloe Cheung, a young Hongkonger from Leeds who had a $HK1 million bounty put on her head. She told us about how she had been intimidated and harassed. Did the Prime Minister speak up for all the Hongkongers in the UK who have had bounties on their heads and who have been intimidated and harassed? Will he ensure that people living in the United Kingdom are safe from the Chinese regime?
Esher and Walton
I noticed that the mention of Japan took the Prime Minister one minute—the last minute—of a 10-minute speech on China and Japan. Japan is not only the largest inward investor into the UK, apart from the EU and US, but a vital liberal democracy in the Indo-Pacific and a key security partner in maintaining regional stability in the face of growing Chinese assertiveness. Given the growing security risks and strategic instability across the region, can the Prime Minister assure the House that engagement with Beijing will not weaken the UK’s alignment with Japan, which is one of our most important democratic partners?
Jonathan Davies
Lab
Mid Derbyshire
With respect to the statement following the Prime Minister’s visit to China and Japan, I thank him for being in the room and challenging China on its appalling human rights record and for fighting for British jobs. With respect to his visit to Japan, did the issue of Toyota come up? Toyota is a significant employer in Derbyshire and worth more than £5.5 billion to the local economy. Can we do more with Toyota, because it is really good for jobs here?
Maldon
The Prime Minister will be aware that some 80% of the sanctioned dual-use items that Russia needs for the drones and missiles it is firing at civilians and children on a daily basis come from China. He says that he raised that matter. Did he get any assurance that China will stop supplying Russia?
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
I welcome the Prime Minister’s recent engagement in Tokyo and the strengthening of our relations with Japan as a key economic and strategic partner. Will he explain how small and medium-sized enterprises in Portsmouth, particularly those in maritime and defence such as Griffon Marine, alongside the creative industries, will benefit from deeper UK-Japan co-operation? My 18-year-old son Archie Cole is a professional wrestler, currently competing on Tokyo TV in “Magic Monday”, so I know at first hand how international engagement can open doors for individuals and Portsmouth’s local businesses alike.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
Does the Prime Minister accept that in his rush to hoover up economic crumbs from President Xi because of his appalling handling of our economy, he is having to increase strategic dependence on Beijing? The public see the risks the Prime Minister is taking with UK security; does he?
Gareth Snell
Lab/Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Further to the question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North (Liam Byrne), the anti-dumping measures that we impose on Chinese goods coming into this country protect hundreds of jobs in Stoke-on-Trent, whether in the ceramic tableware manufacturing sector or in the retreading of tyres at the Michelin factory. Can the Prime Minister give a guarantee that as the economic work with China continues, those measures will not be junked? The anti-dumping measures are not abstract: they protect hundreds of jobs in the part of the country that most needs them.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Over the past weeks, thousands of Chinese fishing boats have been trapped, creating a blockage up to 300 miles long in the east China sea off Japan. This is seen by many as a strategy for a future blockade. Given the huge reliance on that route for trade, such action would cause a global economic shock, threaten thousands of jobs in Scotland and dramatically increase the cost of living. What explanation did the Prime Minister’s Chinese counterpart give for this behaviour? What subsequent discussions did he have with the Japanese Prime Minister about maintaining maritime security in the region?
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
I thank the Prime Minister for his statement, but will he tell the House what steps the Government are taking to protect parliamentarians and others in public life against foreign influence?
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
I echo the tributes to Jim Wallace. He was one of the most significant Scottish politicians of his generation and it was a privilege both to know him and to work with him. We have established that the Prime Minister was in the room, but what difference will it make for people who were not in the room in Ukraine?
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
I welcome the Prime Minister’s leadership on his trip, including his words in Japan about the value of the global combat air programme, which is not only strategically important for global security and autonomy, but important for businesses that have grown out of my constituency, including BAE Systems and QinetiQ. Will the Prime Minister highlight the work he is doing to ensure that this critical endeavour makes progress?
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
In an earlier answer, the Prime Minister mentioned Scunthorpe steelworks, where hundreds of my constituents are employed. We welcome the Government’s support to date. Was he able to discuss Jingye’s ownership with his Chinese opposite number, and can he give any positive assurances to my constituents about their long-term future?
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
The Prime Minister will know that many excellent west midlands businesses export to China, including great car makers such as Jaguar Land Rover, the Morgan Motor Company and Aston Martin. Collectively, those car exports are worth more than those from any other region in the UK, I would say. Can the Prime Minister outline how the results of his trip to China, including the agreement on 30-day visa-free travel, will benefit those businesses and drive jobs and exports in our region?
Honiton and Sidmouth
In 2023, the Intelligence and Security Committee reported: “The UK’s academic institutions provide a rich feeding ground for China to achieve both political influence and economic advantage”. Was interference in UK universities raised with President Xi?
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Growing our relationship with China could boost our motor manufacturing industry. The Prime Minister will know only too well that small businesses in this sector are the engine of economic growth in my constituency and right across the west midlands. Can he set out how his visit will help small businesses in North Warwickshire and Bedworth?
Cardiff West
Asked the Prime Minister to condemn Russia's influence on Reform UK leader Nathan Gill and praised his commitment to push China regarding Russian support for the war in Ukraine.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Sought clarification from the Prime Minister about the status of sanctioned parliamentarians following their meetings with Chinese officials, indicating uncertainty over whether they are still legally sanctioned.
Matt Bishop
Lab
Forest of Dean
Asked if security is indeed the Government’s top priority, to which the PM affirmed it is a key focus in all actions taken on the world stage.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Inquired about the Global Combat Air Programme funding and contract signing before the defence investment plan publication, noting the potential impact on Edgewing and British phase of the programme.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Emphasised the need for investment in programmes like GCAP to address geopolitical challenges, praising the PM's commitment during his visit to Japan.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Asked about raising issues concerning kill switches and hidden communication devices in Chinese-manufactured solar panels with China, questioning if demands were made or merely politely asked.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Discussed Scotland's trade deals worth hundreds of millions to businesses and thousands of jobs in defence contracts, urging the PM to build on this success for Scottish businesses despite SNP lack of ambition.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Concerned about heavily subsidised Chinese vehicles flooding UK bus sector, especially with 500 such vehicles in London and Scotland, sought action to support British buses post visit to China.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Inquired about border security pact discussions related to small boats crisis, highlighting agreements made with France and Germany and now China for tackling the crossings.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Critiqued the PM's lack of authority as fewer than 400 MPs supported him, questioning tangible benefits secured regarding Hongkongers' rights during his visit to China.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Joked about Japanese ambassador trying Boddingtons bitter in Manchester and encouraged the PM to support local brewing industry by having ambassadors sample Burton-on-Trent's beer.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Expressed concern over decision-making delay for Mingyang investment interest at Ardersier site, part of Cromarty Green freeport, stressing national security concerns but urging quick resolution.
Josh Dean
Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Sought details on PM's discussions regarding Jimmy Lai and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong, asking for assurances about Home Office’s consultation on earned settlement for those from Hong Kong.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Warned against Scottish Government's 'renminbi fever' after Beijing trip and questioned PM to ensure consideration of national security issues over jobs in Mingyang wind farm investment at Ardersier.
David Taylor
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Expressed gratitude on behalf of all-party parliamentary group for Japan, hoping the visit was enjoyable and productive.
Tessa Munt
LD
Bridgwater and West Somerset
The Prime Minister mentioned that Japan is already one of the main investors in the UK; does he share my hope that this programme, just like the Concorde programme with France all those years ago, will have knock-on benefits for British jobs and innovations in our economy?
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
The Prime Minister mentioned his previous meeting with the Chinese President at the G20 in Brazil. One day later, 45 pro-democracy Hongkongers were sentenced... what single, tangible difference has the Prime Minister made for their safety and security?
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
As the Prime Minister will know, many Japanese companies have their British home in my constituency of Bracknell, so I welcome his visit to Japan... Could he set out a little more about how we can further strengthen our relationship with our Japanese friends and allies, and what that will mean for my constituents?
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
The Prime Minister has failed to stand up for Britain’s interests. From what we have seen, he could not even make it across Beijing’s red carpet without being guided along the way... What did the Prime Minister expect to receive in return for approving the Chinese super-embassy, and did the Chinese give it to him?
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
I thank the Prime Minister for his statement and for his continued international leadership... What difference will a productive relationship with the second-largest economy and our third-biggest trading partner make to businesses in my constituency?
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
It is widely reported in the media that the Prime Minister and his entourage had burner phones when they went to China... Could he confirm that? If so, was the reason that he was worried he was being spied upon?
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Like the Prime Minister, I am a musician and a strong advocate for the creative arts sector... Could he set out to the House a little more about why he took so many creative arts and cultural organisations with him to China?
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
The Prime Minister is very full of the abstract virtue of engaging with China... Can he tell the House a single thing that he achieved on behalf of the Uyghurs, or indeed on behalf of the security of this country?
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
China is helping to fund Russia’s war on Ukraine via the shadow fleet and Russian oil... Can the Prime Minister unambiguously confirm that he brought up Russian oil and the shadow fleet?
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Russia has been able to triple its ballistic missile production because it has access to Chinese rocket fuel, Chinese machine tools and Chinese microprocessors... What specific guarantees did he receive from the Chinese Government that they will work to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine?
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I thank the Prime Minister for his statement, and I welcome his successful trade missions to China and Japan... What steps forward remain in terms of the Chinese treatment of Christians, Uyghur Muslims, Falun Gong and other religious minorities?
Government Response
Engaged in detailed discussions about Jimmy Lai’s case and raised issues related to Hong Kong during his visit. Emphasised the importance of engaging at a leader level with China, including trade agreements on small boat engines. Acknowledged the need for further action on lifting sanctions comprehensively. I thank my hon. Friend for his comments, and for his message over the weekend... I raised these really important issues. I raised them myself during the course of the visit, and I thank him.
Shadow Response
Mrs Kemi Badenoch
Shadow Response
Badenoch criticised the PM's approach towards China, arguing that it was short-termist and undermined Britain’s interests. She pointed out missed opportunities for better deals with China compared to previous conservative approaches.
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