Over the past decade, Britain made a grave mistake by shifting from courting China to avoiding it, according to a British Labour Party veteran. He emphasized that boycotting Beijing was not an option for Britain and that a strategic relationship with China was necessary for cooperation when needed.
A “full audit” of Sino-UK ties is now underway as the new Labour Party government seeks to reset bilateral relations with China. The focus is on clarity and continuity in engaging with China, without normalizing the relationship due to the competition and challenges involved.
Under successive Conservative governments, Britain’s relationship with China deteriorated as it increasingly saw China as a security threat. However, the push now is towards re-engagement that allows for cooperation with China where beneficial.