China UK Photo: VCG

In an interview with Reuters on Friday, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said that the UK needs to take a "hard-headed, economic realist" approach to its ties with China in order to do a better job of boosting trade, while minimizing risks to national security. 

Reeves' remarks further highlighted the increasing signals from London in recent months that the UK, under the new government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to improve relations with China and enhance practical cooperation.

Just a week earlier, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy visited China, during which he also said that the UK looks forward to expand cooperation with China in various areas. 

In addition to the remarks made by senior UK officials, the UK government previously launched a "China audit" to better "understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses." Also notably, the UK has no plans to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, unlike the US and the EU. All these clearly suggest that the new UK government is reassessing and adjusting its approach toward China. 

We welcome the UK's aspiration to enhance economic and trade relations with China, a move that promises to be mutually beneficial and foster a sense of optimism. Yet, the UK's China policy, much like the EU's, is a complex tapestry. It straddles a political and security divide, mirroring the US strategy of containment while also seeking economic and trade advantages.

On one hand, the UK treats China as a strategic competitor requiring vigilance, even interfering in China's internal affairs politically and aligning with the US strategically by continuously pressuring China on issues such as human rights, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. On the other hand, it hopes to capitalize on the economic opportunities that China offers. Many UK businesses are eager to promote cooperation with China, particularly in terms of development opportunities.

This dual approach casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future trajectory of China-UK relations. Amid growing geopolitical influences, China-UK cooperation faces many challenges. 

One of the challenges is the ever-expanding US campaign to contain China. In doing so, Washington has been pressuring its allies to toe the line and even do its bidding. This at least partially explains the souring relations between China and certain US allies in recent years.

Reeves' remarks in the interview with Reuters did not exactly inspire confidence that the UK will be completely free from US influence. In the interview, the UK official said that the US had been able to boost exports to China while taking a tough line on China's economic and trade practices. 

It is not completely clear what Reeves was suggesting in the interview, but one thing should be clear: Following the US' strategy of containment is not the way to go if the UK seeks to enhance practical cooperation with China.

The crux of the matter lies in the UK's ability to fully grasp the significance of China's development and its transformative impact on China's relationship with the West. This understanding is crucial for the UK to navigate its China policy effectively.

As a long-standing Western power, the UK has a wealth of experience in dealing with China. It is crucial for the UK to formulate an independent policy that is not overly influenced by other countries or external pressures, one that adapts to China's ongoing development and fosters mutual growth for both nations. This recognition can pave the way for both sides to address current economic and trade issues and foster cooperation amid competition.