Rishi Sunak has refused to cut ties with China as the Prime Minister doubled down on his net zero pledge.
Downing Street insisted the United Kingdom had to be “in the room” with China, with the Prime Minister insisting that “speaking frankly and directly” with Beijing remains in the country’s interests.
Despite the revelation about a British parliamentary assistant being arrested on suspicion of spying for Beijing, Sunak said: “By speaking frankly and directly we will ensure our messages are heard clearly and that our interests and values are protected and promoted.”
The Prime Minister added: “It’s through that leadership, working with our allies and partners that we’ll increase our security, grow our economy, and deliver on the priorities of the British people.”
Kemi Badenoch pushed back against hawkish Conservatives, saying she is mindful that China is the second biggest economy "we do business with"PAChancellor Jeremy Hunt echoed Sunak’s comments about China, claiming: "Diplomacy is about talking to everyone."
However, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch openly addressed Anglo-Chinese relations during a visit to Mini’s car factory near Oxford, warning that the UK would only achieve its net zero commitments with the help of Beijing.
Speaking after BMW announced a £600million to produce electric vehicles, the Saffron Walden MP said: “At the moment, China is leading on this technology, so we wouldn’t be able to get to where we want to get to on net zero by completely stopping or banning Chinese products.
“You can’t exclude Chinese-made products from the battery ecosystem.”
Anglo-Chinese relations, which underwent a so-called “golden age” under the stewardship of David Cameron and George Osborne, were dealt a major blow following the arrest of a parliamentary researcher in March.
The unnamed staffer, who denied the allegations against him, was released on bail alongside a man in his thirties until October.
Despite frosty relations, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly became the first British politician to visit China in half a decade after he touched down in Beijing last month.
Sunak's stint in Number 10 has seen the UK row back from former Prime Minister Liz Truss' more hardline stance on China.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shake hands before a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing
REUTERS
During her 49 days in Downing Street, Truss was moving to formally declare China a “threat”.
However, Sunak is now talking instead about “an epoch-defining challenge”.
Diplomats from Beijing remain invited to the UK’s Artificial Intelligence summit later this year.
A number of Conservative MPs have voiced concern about the current state of Anglo-Chinese relations.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith appearing on GB NewsGB NewsMembers of the China Research Group, including former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, warned about a potential "espionage cell" in Westminster.
However, Beijing's grip on the United Kingdom extends beyond any alleged acts of espionage.
Chinese investors have amassed nearly £134billionn of assets in key UK industries ranging from energy companies and transport hubs to breweries and schools.
Beijing-backed investments cover Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, Heathrow Airport, Northumbrian Water, pub retailer Greene King and Superdrug.
