The UK trade secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, is set to embark on a high-level visit to China later this year, aimed at reviving the key joint economic and trade commission (Jetco), as the government seeks to maintain its rapprochement with Beijing despite ongoing security concerns.
The UK trade secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, is set to embark on a high-level visit to China later this year, aimed at reviving the key joint economic and trade commission (Jetco). This move suggests that the government is committed to maintaining its rapprochement with Beijing despite ongoing security concerns.
The Jetco has not met since 2018, when relations began deteriorating following Beijing’s crackdown on civil liberties in ‘Hong Kong‘. The commission was established to promote bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. Reynolds’ trip is intended to restart these talks, which had been on hold for several years.
Reynolds has acknowledged that the UK got ‘it wrong in the past’ by allowing Chinese investment in sensitive industries such as steel. He has called for a more cautious approach, saying that certain sectors should be off-limits to Chinese companies due to security concerns. This shift in tone reflects a growing recognition of the need for greater scrutiny of Chinese investment in the UK.
Jonathan Reynolds is a British politician serving as the Member of Parliament for Stalybridge and Hyde in Greater Manchester.
Born on December 20, 1975, he has been a Labour Party member since 2003.
Reynolds was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and has held various roles, including Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary.
He is known for his advocacy on social justice issues, particularly poverty and inequality.
Reynolds’ trip comes amid pressure from lawmakers to take a tougher stance on human rights and security issues in China. ‘Wera Hobhouse, a Liberal Democrat MP, has called for ministers to be cautious about visiting China until she receives an explanation for her recent deportation from ‘Hong Kong‘.
The government is also planning to conclude its cross-Whitehall audit of UK-China relations by June, which will make policy recommendations on improving expertise on China within government. This includes proposals for Mandarin language programmes and training for civil servants and parliamentarians about the Chinese system.
Reynolds’ planned trip sends a signal that the government is committed to maintaining its rapprochement with Beijing, despite ongoing concerns. The visit follows similar moves by other politicians, including ‘Keir Starmer‘, who is also expected to travel to China later this year.
