UK-China Relations

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Foreign and Commonwealth Office – in the House of Commons am 2:30 pm ar 24 Chwefror 2009.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of David Miliband David Miliband Foreign Secretary 2:30, 24 Chwefror 2009

The right hon. Gentleman raises an important point, which is one that we have raised with the Chinese. I think I should write to him with a report on how those discussions have gone and what the latest stage is. The importance of our engagement with China is precisely that, because we engage with the Chinese, we are able to raise all issues, including human rights issues, openly and frankly. That spirit of candour has been developed over the past few years in our relationship with China. Respect for China does not mean the relegation of our concerns to a subsidiary role. In fact, I would argue that the respect that is afforded to China is the basis for proper engagement on issues that concern us.