Backlash over UK Foreign Minister's 'appeasement' of Chinese 'autocracy' during Beijing trip

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【Summary】Foreign Secretary James Cleverly faces backlash from senior Tories over his trip to Beijing to rebuild relations with China. Critics warn that appeasing the autocratic superpower sends the wrong message on human rights and democracy. Cleverly defends his engagement, stating the importance of tough conversations and being clear-eyed about China's agenda. He discusses contentious issues such as human rights, Taiwan, and cyber activity with Chinese officials.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 5:00 PM PT

Backlash over UK Foreign Minister's 'appeasement' of Chinese 'autocracy' during Beijing trip

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has expressed his commitment to rebuilding relations with China, despite facing criticism from senior Tories over appeasing the autocratic superpower. Cleverly recently traveled to Beijing for talks with senior officials from the ruling communist party, marking the end of a five-year freeze in relations.

However, some Conservatives have raised concerns about cozying up to China, citing its poor human rights record and efforts to subvert democracy. They argue that sending the wrong message to such a country is not in the best interest of the UK.

After engaging in face-to-face discussions with Vice President Han Zheng, Cleverly defended his decision, stating that it is more important than ever to engage with China. He acknowledged the challenges and had tough conversations with Chinese leadership, emphasizing that change cannot be expected overnight.

During his visit, Cleverly addressed various contentious issues, including human rights, Taiwan, the sanctioning of British MPs, and China's malign cyber activity. The trip marked the first visit to Beijing by a senior British minister in five years.

A decade ago, David Cameron and George Osborne initiated a "Golden Era" in relations with China, prioritizing trade cooperation over concerns about China's actions. However, relations have deteriorated following Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong and its handling of the pandemic.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith expressed concern over Cleverly's visit, comparing it to 1930s-style appeasement and questioning its value. He highlighted China's human rights abuses, genocide in Xinxiang, threats to Taiwan, imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, and espionage activities.

Tory chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee, Alicia Kearns, suggested that Cleverly should balance his visit by also visiting Taiwan to demonstrate the UK's support for the island state, which is under the threat of invasion. Kearns emphasized the importance of upholding Taiwan's right to self-determination and sending a message to autocratic regimes that sovereignty cannot be achieved through violence or coercion.