My Take | Frank exchanges are needed if Sino-UK relations are to change

A recent British television drama told the fictional story of attempts to undermine the country’s national security through the use of deep-fake technology. The dastardly foreign power behind these subversive acts seemed to be China, rather than usual suspects Russia. This suggested a shift in perceptions in the UK.

It is easy, when in Hong Kong, to think people in the West are obsessed with China. My experience in England is that while some politicians might be, the general public is not. China rarely features on the television news.

Relations between the British government and Beijing have, however, been at a low ebb. Now, there is a ray of hope. The new Labour government wants to re-engage with China, as it conducts an audit of ties and develops a long-term strategy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer initiated a telephone call with President Xi Jinping last month in a move towards a closer working relationship. Starmer said he wanted “open, frank and honest” talks.

Such discussions are not only needed between officials. Last week, influential British politician Peter Mandelson gave his take on China’s relationship with Britain in a fireside chat at the University of Hong Kong.

The former British trade secretary struck an optimistic note, saying the new government wants to change the course of its relationship with Beijing. His first piece of advice to the two governments was to “stop throwing mud at each other”. That, as he said, would be a good start. Then, people need to talk. This is a simple and obvious point, but there has not been enough of it in recent years.

There are some encouraging signs. The British government is looking to restore structured dialogue with China of the kind that existed in the past. Engagement is also taking place within the business community. Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the foreign ministry’s office in Hong Kong, will give the keynote speech this week at a British Chamber of Commerce summit.