David Lammy's trip to China addresses human rights concerns
- UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting China this week amid efforts to improve bilateral relations.
- A group of UK parliamentarians, sanctioned by Beijing, urges Lammy to address human rights issues, particularly concerning the Uyghur minority and Taiwan.
- The call for engagement reflects a shift in Labour's approach to China, emphasizing the importance of values over short-term economic gains.
During a visit to China this week, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is urged by a group of UK parliamentarians to address human rights issues under Xi Jinping's leadership. This call comes amid a broader effort by the Labour Party to mend relations with China, which have soured under previous Conservative administrations. The parliamentarians, who have faced sanctions from Beijing for their criticisms, emphasize the importance of engaging with China realistically, particularly regarding its treatment of the Uyghur minority and the situation in Hong Kong. They also express concerns about China's actions in Taiwan, urging Lammy to convey the UK's stance as rooted in its values rather than alignment with US foreign policy. The last visit by a UK foreign secretary to China was in August 2023, and the Labour Party has committed to recognizing the Uyghur situation as genocide in its manifesto. This diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of accusations against China for cyber-attacks targeting various sectors in the UK and US, highlighting the complexities of the UK-China relationship.