Prime Minister Theresa May and Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond were part of the UK-China Economic Dialogue held in London on 10-11 November. Meanwhile, the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue, held on 27-28 October, was led by Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Foreign Office Alok Sharma.

UK-China Economic Dialogue

The 8th UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue was held in London on 10-11 November. Prime Minister Theresa May opened the meeting, with the two delegations led by Chancellor Philip Hammond and Chinese Vice-Premier Ma Kai respectively (pictured right). The meeting was also attended by a number of other senior officials from both countries.

Following the row over Chinese investment in the Hinkley Point nuclear power station, Theresa May attempted to allay any outstanding Chinese concerns by reiterating her predecessor’s claim of an upturn in relations between the UK and China. May said, “As we take the next step in this golden era of relations between the UK and China, I am excited about the opportunities for expanding trade and investment between our two countries.”

As well as publicity for the continued ‘special relationship’ between the UK and China, the economic dialogue was expected to secure £5 billion worth of Chinese investment in infrastructure and property schemes across the north of England, as well as progressing on other trade deals pitched by the previous Chancellor George Osborne.

UK-China Human Rights Dialogue

The 23rd UK-China Human Rights Dialogue took place in London on 27-28 October. The UK delegation was led by Foreign Office Minister Alok Sharma, with Special Representative for Human Rights Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Liu Hua heading the Chinese delegation.

In contrast to the Economic Dialogue, there was little in the way of official announcements on the outcome of the Human Rights Dialogue. Only a short statement by Alok Sharma has been issued which gave little away.

In the statement, published on the government’s website, Alok Sharma, said, “Senior officials discussed the full range of matters relating to human rights, including on freedom of expression and religion.” He added, “The dialogue was held in a constructive and open manner.” Other than the UK calling for the release of Chinese human rights lawyers and activists following the crackdown in China which began in July 2015, no other specific information about what was raised has been officially released. Nor has there been any detail of any response from the Chinese delegation or any outcomes from the meeting.

However, Tibet Society has since been informed by Foreign Office sources that the UK delegation raised the following issues: Larung Gar; the Panchen Lama plus a number of other Tibetan political prisoners; and, diplomatic access to Tibet (there has been no UK diplomatic visit to Tibet since 2009).

Tibet Society continues to call on the UK government to publicise its key concerns raised in the Human Rights Dialogue, to make the Dialogue more open and transparent, including the involvement of civil society, and to initiate a process involving benchmarks to ascertain whether progress is being made on human rights in Tibet and China.

Further reading:
Tibet Society briefs Foreign Office prior to UK-China Human Rights Dialogue 
28 Oct: Alok Sharma comments on UK-China Human Rights Dialogue (Gov.uk)
10 Nov: Theresa May promises ‘golden era’ in UK-Chinese relations (BBC)
10 Nov: UK-China relations still ‘golden’, says PM (Guardian)

Tibet Society, the world’s first Tibet support group, was founded in 1959. Funded by its members, it has been working for over 50 years to seek justice for Tibet through parliamentary lobbying, campaigns and actions. Help keep Tibet alive by joining Tibet Society today. Annual membership £24; Family £36; Life £500.