David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Friday 23 January, 2009

Big year for UK-China relations

2008 marked for many people a symbolic turning point in China's place in the world in august China hosted a stunning Olympics. In the autumn the world sought China's help in tackling the economic crisis. It is in recognition of China's emerging global role that the FCO yesterday published the UK-China Strategic Framework. The rationale is simple; between now and 2012 we have a special opportunity to raise the level and productivity of relations between Britain and China, at the level of government business and people to people contacts including education.  

I launched the framework at the Manchester Chinese arts centre yesterday.  Manchester boasts the third largest Chinese community in Europe and Manchester University has one of the largest Chinese student populations in Britain (out of about 75,000 Chinese students in Britain - the biggest number in Europe).

The Framework focuses on cooperation on the economy, climate change, international security and gives proper attention to dialogue on issues of human rights.   I think it is valuable.

Posted at 19:08 23 January 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[9]

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Now let's see... Brutal repression of Tibetan nationals and their own people... Censoring of US Presidents inaugural speech... Threatening Taiwan with invasion if it declares independence... Tianamen Square massacre... Violent repression of Falun Gong... Poisoning babies... Removal of press and Internet freedom shortly after the Olympic Games. Yes! That seems like the right bunch of people for us to get chummy with, doesn't it? Appeasement doesn't work Milly.

Posted by Paul E on January 23, 2009 at 10:08 PM GMT #

"In the autumn the world sought China's help in tackling the economic crisis." And so the FCO has decided that Tibet is a word that will not trouble the Secretary of State's lips.

Posted by OwenE2 on January 23, 2009 at 11:42 PM GMT #

Mr. Miliband, Hello from Afghanistan, Recently the British PRT team in southern province of Helmand announced that Britain wants to Spend more then twenty million dollar to build a radio Network station. Is it possible to focus in your next article on your Blog about this issue? Best regards

Posted by Baktash on January 24, 2009 at 10:19 AM GMT #

Mr. Paul E, your view on China-UK relations sounds superficial. The cooperation between the United Kingdom and China will be one of the most beneficial ones for both.

Posted by Louisa on January 24, 2009 at 10:48 AM GMT #

This is very important and exciting news and I have commented further on Peter Wilson's Blog. I would just like to reply to the comment by Paul E. Paul, of course China has its problems and the issues you mentioned need to be taken seriously, but what do you expect us or anyone to do about that? China is changing rapidly and these issues I am sure will become less frequent, their may even be democracy one day for China. There is no point in ignoring them or continually slapping them on the wrist until they conform to our western Ideals. We must work with China and as Louise mentioned, both sides will benefit. This is not appeasement, this is good diplomacy and the world, whether they like it or not will have to create closer ties with China. Besides which, China is not the evil monster you would have us believe, it is a fascinating country which we need to understand better and learn from. And no, I don't work for the Chinese government.

Posted by Seb on January 24, 2009 at 09:30 PM GMT #

Gong Xi Fa Cai! The only way to deal with these issues is to ENGAGE constructively. An open China is much better than a China in isolation and bogged down with ideology, e.g 1970’s. China at cross roads does need encouragement and engagement so that it is confident to become a more normal market economy and play a more responsible role both internally and internationally. The framework document is a balancing act to meet civil liberty demand and hope to work with China to resolve global issues, though the latter more heavy weighted. This is realism. Hope the Year of the Ox is also the Year of Bull – confidence restoring, market booming… less bully or bullxxxt. Let’s be bullish about the big year for UK-China relations!

Posted by Jack on January 26, 2009 at 12:13 PM GMT #

China is very important to us and all steps should be taken to encourage a harmonious relationship. I have visited China a number of times over the last six years and I am very impressed with the developments. I am also impressed that 300 m Chinese have been taken out of poverty in the last number of years. China is demonstrating to the world how we can achieve the millennium goals. How can we learn from China and use their experience to eradicate poverty in the rest of the world. Now you are quite right to speak to China about their human rights record and I am sure you will encourage them along the right paths. However, does China have the right to criticize us? Are we still looking for weapons of mass destruction? Do the Chinese comment on this?

Posted by Paul Macdonald on January 27, 2009 at 02:01 PM GMT #

Did I forget to mention systematic violence towards the Uighars by the Chinese government? Oh dear, I did... I do apologise... I'm just getting so 'superficial' in my old age. If you don't like something then stand up, say something and be free to do so. That is what democracy and freedom of speech is all about, isn't it? Not in China.

Posted by Paul E on January 28, 2009 at 09:35 PM GMT #

China ......Tibet Trade.......Human Rights No contest.

Posted by Roddie on February 03, 2009 at 07:47 AM GMT #

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