Editorial | UK, China differences set to remain despite return of David Cameron
- New foreign secretary may have declared ‘golden era’ with Beijing eight years ago when he was prime minister, but the political road map has changed
The shock appointment of former prime minister David Cameron as foreign secretary has divided opinion in Britain. It has been well-received in China.
Cameron, who resigned seven years ago, had presided over a “golden era” of Sino-British relations. He welcomed Chinese investment, forged closer ties with Beijing and described President Xi Jinping’s state visit in 2015 as the beginning of a new era.
Since then, the world has changed. Cameron’s successors have adopted a hard line on China, with clashes on issues ranging from human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang to the war in Ukraine.
He is already coming under fire for perceived friendliness towards Beijing.
But Cameron’s appointment has little, if anything, to do with Britain’s China policy. The move was driven by domestic politics.