On June 2, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper began a three-day visit to China as Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government seeks to rebuild bilateral relations after a long period described as an "ice age." Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Cooper called for joint action to address global challenges such as conflicts in Iran and Ukraine and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Maintaining a rules-based international order and reducing geoeconomic tensions are in the shared interests of both countries," Cooper emphasized after talks with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. She acknowledged "differences" between London and Beijing but argued that an approach with "frankness and respect" would enhance mutual understanding.
Cooper's visit comes less than six months after Prime Minister Starmer's trip to Beijing in January and is part of a growing series of Western diplomatic engagements with China. Former Foreign Secretary David Lammy also made a two-day visit in October 2024, paving the way for deeper economic commitments, including a $15 billion investment by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and a visa-waiver policy for British citizens.
Analysts say the move reflects a deeper reality: Western countries like the UK now rely on China more than ever, especially in high-tech manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, medical equipment, and aerospace components, as well as rare earth resources. "This dependency is increasing day by day," said John Minnich, Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics' Department of International Relations. "Whether this is good for the West and politically sustainable is another question."
During the visit, Cooper is expected to fly to Shenzhen, China's major tech hub, to discuss trade and the future of artificial intelligence (AI). This comes as Beijing leads the world in renewable energy innovation. Earlier this year, the UK and China signed a clean energy cooperation agreement encompassing academic, regulatory, industrial, and trade partnerships.
However, economic cooperation cannot mask persistent disagreements. Security and human rights issues remain flashpoints. The British delegation reportedly used "burner" phones during the trip to avoid surveillance, according to the PA news agency. Allegations of Chinese espionage activities in the UK led to the arrest of three men in April 2024. Just last month, a British Border Force employee and a Hong Kong trade official based in London were convicted of spying for China for the first time in history.
Foreign Secretary Cooper is also expected to raise the detention of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy leader and media mogul with British nationality, as well as China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war.
"Fundamental differences in systems and values persist and are irreconcilable," said Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute in London. "Diplomacy is about blurring differences and focusing on shared interests to move forward for national benefit."
