The UK’s security and trade relationship with China: Lords Committee launches call for evidence and announces first evidence session of new inquiry
Friday 26 February 2021
The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee has today launched an inquiry into the UK’s security and trade relationship with China.
The inquiry will consider the Government’s evolving approach to China and examine the UK’s security interests. The inquiry will also consider the UK’s partners and allies, including the Five Eyes partnership, and its diplomatic, defence and security resourcing for further engagement in China’s neighbourhood. It will also look at China’s importance as a trade partner and source of investment and consider the Government’s Integrated Review as it relates to China, once this is published.
The full call for evidence and details of how to submit evidence are available on the Committee website and submissions of written evidence should be received by 24 March 2021.
On Wednesday 3 March 2021, the Committee will hold its first evidence session which will take place virtually from 10am and will be available to watch live or on demand at Parliament TV.
Giving evidence will be:
10am
- Dr Yu Jie, Senior Research Fellow on China, Chatham House and;
- Charles Parton OBE, Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
Questions will include:
- How would you describe the UK’s current policy towards China? In what ways has it changed between the premierships of David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson?
- What is the place of the UK in China’s foreign and economic policy under Xi Jinping?
- What are the UK’s key security interests vis-à-vis China? What are the potential threats to these interests?
- What are the implications of China’s pursuit of major international strategic initiatives (such as the Belt and Road Initiative) for the UK’s foreign, development and security interests?
