Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Relations with China: Xi Jinping Presidency

16 March 2023 · 7 other contributors · 12,978 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Leo Docherty

Foreign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about relations with china: xi jinping presidency in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns were raised about human rights abuses under President Xi Jinping, including the Uyghurs genocide, Hong Kong crackdown, and Tibet repression.
  • The Minister acknowledged the debate's wide-ranging and pertinent remarks on human rights issues in China.
  • Calls were made for the UK government to address human rights alongside economic interests in its China policy.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Minister to address our human rights obligations alongside economic factors in our policies towards China. We must not let fundamental beliefs in human rights be subjugated for trade deals. Additionally, I seek clarification on addressing concerns regarding Confucius Institutes and their influence on universities, as well as the appropriate response to political interference from Chinese nationals. Furthermore, I ask the Minister to take stronger action against China's human rights abuses, including supporting Jimmy Lai's release from prison in Hong Kong.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

I am concerned about the rise in nefarious activities inside and outside China under President Xi Jinping, including the genocide of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, the crackdown on freedom in Hong Kong, and ongoing repression in Tibet. The forced sterilisation of women, abuse of women, imprisonment of millions of Uyghurs in camps, and taking away of their religious liberty and right to express themselves have disturbed us greatly. Additionally, there is a continuing repression in Tibet since 1950, the suppression of Falun Gong practitioners through organ transplantation on a commercial scale, persecution of Christians with secret police monitoring church services, and cyber-surveillance leading to imprisonment of those with different religious opinions.

Other contributors (7)
  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    He argued that signals from the UK to China about trade prioritizing human rights have been detrimental. He questioned whether it is reasonable for the integrated review refresh not to classify China as a threat. He expressed concern about the support provided to Hong Kong immigrants under the British National Overseas Sponsorship Scheme, highlighting the ongoing trauma they face. He also criticized the government's approach towards China by pointing out a discrepancy in statements made by officials regarding hacking attempts on Genomics England by BGI, suggesting the need for transparency and security measures. Asked whether the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's statement that China is 'the most significant state threat faced by the United Kingdom' encapsulates government policy.

  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    Ms West discussed the shift in China's political landscape under Xi Jinping, highlighting increased domestic authoritarianism and assertive foreign policies. She mentioned issues such as unlawful occupation of islands in the South China Sea, suppression of domestic dissent, and violations of international law. Concerning Hong Kong and Xinjiang, she raised concerns over human rights abuses and a lack of regular reporting by the FCDO on these matters. Requested specific examples of companies or importers whose products have been halted due to connections with slavery or human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    He inquired about the UK's stance on sanctioning individuals involved in Hong Kong's security laws. He also emphasised the need for public recognition of Jimmy Lai as a British citizen. Recalled an incident on the border of Tibet and India where Chinese troops aggressively pushed back against Indian soldiers, resulting in casualties. He also mentioned that US companies were warned not to rely on common law protection in Hong Kong. Intervened to suggest that companies importing from China should use services like Oritain to track product origins accurately, asserting there is no excuse for not doing so. Asked the Minister for clarification regarding BNO passport holders' status, referencing Jimmy Lai's situation and expressing concern about their security and rights as citizens.

  • John Howell Con Henley

    The hon. Member for Strangford highlighted the disgraceful and illegal treatment of Uyghurs in China, expressing concern about their forced sterilisation and imprisonment.

  • Margaret Ferrier SNP Rutherglen and Hamilton West

    She highlighted the plight of Uyghur women who are forced to marry Han Chinese men, have abortions, and face cultural repression. She also expressed concern over the impact of Hong Kong's national security laws on peaceful protests. Brought up concerns expressed by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights regarding Hong Kong's national security law, focusing on issues of transparency and access to legal representation for arrestees.

  • Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

    He stated that the next Dalai Lama's succession will be determined by Tibetan people and those entrusted with this responsibility, independent of Chinese Communist Party approval. Expressed concerns about China's human rights abuses under President Xi Jinping, citing military expansion, threats to Taiwan, and oppressive policies towards ethnic groups such as the Uyghurs and Tibetans. Noted the importance of recognising China's aggressive plans for global dominance outlined in the 'China 2049' policy.

  • Tommy Sheppard SNP Edinburgh East

    Discussed concerns about China's influence in the UK, including economic investment and academic interference. Advocated for better understanding of this interface and proposed measures such as a commissioner to examine foreign investments and legislation to ban imports from Xinjiang unless they are proven free of forced labour.

Government Response

Leo Docherty

It is an honour to respond to the debate, Sir Edward. I am answering on behalf of my good friend the Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific. I was grateful for the opening remarks of the hon. Member for Strangford, which were wide-ranging, interesting and pertinent, addressing the barbaric treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, concerns about Hong Kong, Tibet, persecution of Christians, and cyber-surveillance. We continue to support human rights defenders in China and Hong Kong and work globally to counter Chinese disinformation. The integrated review refresh recognises the significant challenge posed by China's increasing assertiveness and its growing impact on many aspects of our lives. It states that China under the CCP poses an epoch-defining and systemic challenge with implications for almost every area of government policy and everyday life in Britain. We have taken robust action to protect UK interests, including new powers to protect critical industries under the National Security and Investment Act 2021; bolstering security of our 5G network through the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022; training more than 170 civil servants in Mandarin; and doubling funding for Chinese expertise and capacities. We will continue to call out China on human rights violations in Xinjiang, Hong Kong's national security law stifling opposition, and Taiwan's military exercises undermining peace and stability. The UK has a clear interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan strait and supports constructive dialogue without threat or use of force.

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