Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

China: Diplomatic Relationship

Tuesday 30 January 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government assesses the UK's diplomatic relationship with China in light of economic and geopolitical pressures.
  • The Government aims to engage with China for open, constructive, and stable relations to manage disagreements and cooperate where interests align.
  • The UK Government focuses on building resilience to counter potential economic coercion and protect national interests.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stewart McDonald SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from ongoing concerns about the UK's approach towards a strategic partner that also presents challenges. This includes balancing trade, security interests, and human rights issues.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the strength of the UK's diplomatic relationship with China? The Government must assess this in light of various economic and geopolitical pressures.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The Government set out their approach to China in the integrated review refresh last year. We must continue to engage with China to work towards open, constructive and stable relations to manage disagreements, defend our freedoms and co-operate where our interests align. The Foreign Secretary spoke with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 5 December in pursuit of those objectives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific recent assessment requested is not provided; instead, general engagement strategies are outlined.

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Q2 Stewart McDonald SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

Recent reports from various economic analysis firms have indicated significant potential impacts on global GDP if there is an economic blockade by China on Taiwan or a full-scale invasion. This has raised concerns about the preparedness and policy response in the UK.

Question

The results of economic modelling from the Rhodium Group, the RAND Corporation and Bloomberg indicate severe consequences for global GDP due to either an economic blockade by China on Taiwan or a full-scale invasion. Has the Government conducted its own economic modelling for both scenarios? If so, will it publish these findings?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The hon. Gentleman highlights the importance of understanding and planning for such economic coercion. This is an area of policy that sits within my portfolio in the FCDO. Across Government, we currently have a lot of focus on thinking about how we can build resilience in UK interests and support partners.

Not addressed: The specific request for modelling results and publication commitment is not addressed; instead, general policy focus is mentioned.

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