Upcoming UK-China Diplomatic Talks in February

Monday 27 January 2025 - 15:05

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, will visit the UK in February to hold discussions with British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, marking the first strategic dialogue between the two countries since 2018. The visit is set to occur around the Munich Security Conference, which runs from February 14-16. The UK Foreign Office is preparing for the visit, but declined to provide further details.

The visit comes at a politically sensitive time as a local inquiry regarding China's controversial plans for a "super-embassy" in East London is scheduled for February 11. The Chinese government has proposed developing a 20,000-square-meter site near the Tower of London into Europe’s largest embassy. Despite objections from local authorities and security concerns, the proposal was resubmitted after Labour took office in July 2024.

The UK government’s stance on the embassy proposal has been mixed, with key figures like Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing support. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police recently lifted their objection, citing concerns about large protests. The development of the British embassy in Beijing is also delayed, pending approval of the London project.

Wang’s visit is part of broader efforts to revive bilateral talks between the UK and China that were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. These discussions are now being renewed under the current Labour government, with future trade dialogues planned for later this year.