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Opinion | The Sino-British relationship needs more pragmatic engagement, not less

  • Beijing and London have in the past built a relationship guided by a more realistic understanding of their differences in values, and must do so again
  • Distrust is impeding cooperation on issues of common interest, and is detrimental to Britain’s efforts, post Brexit, to navigate a global economy in which China is a central player

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A hard hat is seen on a coffin as protesters gather at an event on December 12 in central London, organised by Justitia Hong Kong, to mourn the loss of Hong Kong's political freedoms. Issues like Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Taiwan and the South China Sea, which are for China issues of sovereignty, are understood by the UK as important issues of international law and human rights. Photo: AFP
In the past 18 months, relations between Britain and China have taken a turn for the worse. The “golden age” heralded during President Xi Jinping’s state visit in 2015 may have been wishful thinking, but it would equally be a mistake to seek an overcorrection.
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While accepting that there are legitimate concerns and points of critical difference, both the UK and China should not overlook the many positives that remain in what is an important relationship for both, from economic links to climate change – especially when both probably have more tangible reasons than ever to talk to each other.

With the UK outside the EU, it is hard to envision “Global Britain” without increased engagement with China. The UK government is rightly committed to a pivot to Asia, which continues to look set to be the driver of economic growth in the near future. China seems already to be emerging from the Covid-19 economic recession, making it even likelier to sit at the heart of Asia.

A greater engagement in its sphere of influence would require, if not a more cordial, then a deeper and more nuanced relationship, especially if the UK is to successfully build and leverage its connections with regional hubs, in particular Singapore and Hong Kong.

People take a break in view of cranes at the port of Felixstowe on December 12. Faced with the threat of a chaotic “no deal” departure from the EU, Britain must make good on its commitment to pivot to Asia. Photo: AFP
People take a break in view of cranes at the port of Felixstowe on December 12. Faced with the threat of a chaotic “no deal” departure from the EU, Britain must make good on its commitment to pivot to Asia. Photo: AFP
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described himself as a Sinophile. His government is instinctively pragmatic and is not as yet guided by a strategic China policy – it remains, to a significant degree, a relationship shaped by economic interest. This should suit Beijing.

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