Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London & Westminster spoke in the House of Commons Chamber to urge the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure that China’s “systemic challenge” to the UK is dealt with by a clear principles-led foreign policy as determined by the Government’s integrated review.
Watch her question above and hear the response from Nigel Adams MP, Minister of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; or read the transcript below.
It is clear from the testimonies given at the Uyghur tribunal that there are major threats to minority communities within China’s borders and, given what we have heard from my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith), threats to the Uyghurs in this country, too.
For that reason, does my hon. Friend agree that the UK must uphold a clear, principles-led foreign policy, acting in line with the Government’s integrated review, which yielded its clear-eyed assessment of China as a “systemic challenge” to the UK?
Nigel Adams MP replied
Yes, my hon. Friend hits the nail on the head.
The integrated review makes it clear that UK policy towards China is defined by our national interests, and the Prime Minister has said that we need to be 'clear-eyed' about the challenges posed by China, but we must take an overarching, balanced approach that also seeks to manage disagreements, capitalise on the opportunity and co-operate on shared interests.
