UK foreign secretary on China visit
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said London wanted to have a pragmatic relationship with Beijing but warned it would remain "clear-eyed" about the areas where the two countries disagreed. Cleverly on Wednesday began a long-awaited visit to China as the two nations attempt to stabilise bilateral ties. He's the first senior British minister in five years to visit China. "We are clear-eyed about the areas where we have fundamental disagreements with China and we raise those issues when we meet," Cleverly told broadcasters. "But I think it's important to also recognise that we have to have a pragmatic, sensible working relationship with China because of the issues that affect us all around the globe." He met with Vice President Han Zheng, who said the visit will “further promote the sound and stable development of bilateral relations.” Cleverly will also meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijing hoped the British side will "work with us to uphold the spirit of mutual respect, deepen exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and promote the stable development of Sino-British relations.” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is aiming to pursue a nuanced, non-confrontational approach to bilateral relations. He has described China as a growing “systemic challenge” to Britain’s values and interests, but he has also stressed the need to maintain a relationship with Beijing. But his government is under pressure from several lawmakers, including the former prime minister Liz Truss, who want London to toughen its policy on China. A report by MPs said the UK government needs a more coherent and unified approach to China if its so-called tilt towards the Asia-Pacific region is to succeed. The 87-page report by the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee brands Beijing "a threat to the UK and its interests" and urges London to develop "deterrence diplomacy", increasing resilience and defence-orientated policies with allies. (Agencies)