Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 45
Enumerate extra expenditure comprehensively for China capabilities and diplomatic relationship strengthening.
Recommendation
The Government should enumerate extra expenditure more comprehensively and transparently than it has done in the Refresh. We welcome the doubling of funding to build China capabilities; this should be itemised in broad terms so that it is clear what kind of resources will be added. The Government should spell out what will be needed to strengthen diplomatic contact and people-to-people relationships with China, as promised in the Refresh, and how much extra this will cost.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and provides detailed itemisation of the doubled funding for China capabilities, outlining curriculum, training, events, and language offers, but does not provide broader enumeration of other extra expenditure or costs for diplomatic and people-to-people relationships.
Paragraph Reference:
45
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
29. The Government agrees with the Committee. This Government has committed to investing in the skills and knowledge of civil servants, giving them the tools to better understand China in order to respond to the systemic challenge that China poses to the UK’s security, prosperity and values, but also to engage confidently where it is in our interests to do so. 30. The China Capability Programme delivers an expanded offer of learning and development events in the UK and abroad, language training and greater access to tools which are available across the Civil Service. As set out in the Integrated Review Refresh, the funding for China Capabilities will double; this will further enable HMG to ensure that civil servants have the right blend of skills, resources and structures to meet the geopolitical challenge of China’s increasing influence on the world. 31. The programme, which runs in addition to existing work on our China capabilities such as full-time language training for all staff going overseas to ‘speaker slot’ posts across our China Network, includes: Curriculum 32. Training covering beginner to practitioner level, with strands for senior civil servants and future leaders, on a range of priority knowledge and policy topics related to China. Additional expert level training available on Chinese economics, negotiation skills and international relations. Events 33. International and UK-based events to improve civil servants’ understanding of China’s influence and impact as well as of HMG’s work on and policy towards China. Language 34. A cross-government Mandarin language offer, expected to train hundreds of civil servants this year, including enhanced immersion programmes to help those with the highest levels of Mandarin maintain their language capabilities for future roles within HMG.