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David Lammy to raise human rights and support for Russia on China trip

UK foreign secretary David Lammy with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

17 October 2024 20:55 (UTC +04:00)

UK foreign secretary David Lammy is set to raise Beijing’s support for Russia in Ukraine, concerns over human rights and Hong Kong when he meets his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday, APA reports citing Financial Times.

In his first trip to China since taking office, and only the second by a British foreign secretary to the Chinese mainland in the past six years, Lammy will address areas of disagreement between the UK and Beijing, as well as co-operation, according to people familiar with his plans.

His visit is the latest move in the Labour government’s plan to step up engagement with China and Lammy is said to view it as the start of a more consistent dialogue and regular interaction between the two countries. Britain views the global green transition, health, economic growth and trade as key areas of mutual co-operation. China, including Hong Kong, is the UK’s fourth largest trading partner. The two countries are also among the five permanent members of the UN’s security council — although they often come down on opposite sides of international debates.