Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Rejected
Paragraph: 69
Explain rationale and method for separating contentious and cooperative issues with China.
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s China policy statement in general terms in the Refresh. However, this policy now needs to be fleshed out so that practitioners such as academics and businesspeople can be fully aware of the limits within which they can operate with and in China. The FCDO should explain the rationale and method by which it intends to separate issues over which there is contention with China from those on which it seeks close cooperation with China, especially in areas such as trade and educational links, where the line of demarcation is not always clear.
Government Response Summary
The government states there is no need to publish an additional China Strategy to flesh out its policy, reiterating its existing approach of protecting national security, aligning with allies, and engaging where in UK interests, coordinated by the National Security Secretariat.
Paragraph Reference:
69
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
9. Similarly, the Government has set out our approach to China: protecting our national security; aligning with our allies and partners; and engaging with China where it is in UK interests to do so. I do not believe there is a need to publish an additional China Strategy and we have not committed to do so. The National Security Secretariat within the Cabinet Office coordinates the implementation of our approach to China across government. This allows for a coherent view across the extent of China’s activity, allowing the Government to prioritise work, assess trade-offs, mitigate risks and deliver across all departments. We will continue to maintain as much transparency as possible and keep Parliament informed of our approach towards China.