UK Minister for Indo-Pacific’s key meetings in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, April 2024
The UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, held crucial meetings with high-ranking officials in China and Hong Kong during her recent six-day visit to the region. Her visit included stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hong Kong, where she engaged in discussions on various important matters.
In Beijing, Minister Trevelyan met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Li, to discuss the UK’s approach to China, as outlined in the Integrated Review Refresh. Highlighting the pillars of protect, align, and engage, the Minister emphasized the need for cooperation on global issues, including urging China to use its influence positively in the Middle East and to encourage Russia to end its illegal invasion in Ukraine.
The Minister also explored opportunities for collaboration between the UK and China on AI safety, trade, development, and climate change. However, she did not shy away from addressing concerns regarding human rights, the implementation of National Security legislation in Hong Kong, and cases such as Jimmy Lai’s ongoing trial.
Following her meetings in China, Minister Trevelyan traveled to Hong Kong, where she met with Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui. During the meeting, the Minister expressed support for the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, while also raising concerns about the deterioration of rights and freedoms in the city due to the National Security Law and other legislation.
The Ministers also discussed areas for pragmatic cooperation, including financial stability, tackling illicit finance, and leadership on green finance. Throughout her visit, Minister Trevelyan emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive and open relationship to address both mutual and global interests, as well as areas of disagreement or concern.
