I held a press conference on China-UK relations today. 2020 marks the 5th anniversary of China-UK "Golden Era"-- a positive momentum should be cherished. But this relationship has recently run into a series of difficulties＆faced a grave situation. chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/dshdjjh/t1…
What is happening to China-UK relationship? What has caused current difficulties? My answer is loud and clear: China has not changed. It is the UK that has changed. The UK side should take full responsibility for the current difficulties in China-UK relationship.
First, China’s determination to follow basic norms governing international relations has not changed. China has never interfered in internal affairs of other countries, including UK, ＆we ask the same from other countries. Recently, the principles have been violated time＆again.
There has been blatant interference from UK in HK affairs, which are internal affairs of China, including groundless accusations against National Security Law for HKSAR, change to the policy involving BNO passport holders, and suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
On Xinjiang, UK disregarded facts, confused right＆wrong, flung slanders recklessly at China＆interfered in China’s internal affairs by raising so-called “human rights issue”, bilaterally and multilaterally. It seriously poisoned atmosphere of China-UK relationship.
Second, China’s commitment to the path of peaceful development has not changed. China is always a defender of world peace, a contributor to global development＆an upholder of international order. A stronger China will make the world a more peaceful, stable and prosperous place.
Some UK politicians cling to “Cold War” mentality＆echo the remarks of anti-China forces in and outside UK. They play up so-called “China threat”, see China as a “hostile state”, threaten a “complete decoupling” from China, and even clamour for a “new Cold War” against China.
Third, China’s resolve to fulfill international obligations has not changed. China was 1st country to sign UN Charter. It has faithfully fulfilled international responsibilities＆obligations，never withdrawn from intl. organisations or treaties. Nor does it believe in “us first”.
It is completely wrong to see National Security Law for Hong Kong SAR as a violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration or a failure to honour international obligations. The label of “failure to fulfill international obligations” should not be stuck on China.
It is UK that has failed to fulfill international obligations＆went against pledges by changing policy on BNO＆suspending extradition treaty with HK to create public confusion in HK, disrupt implementation of National Security Law and interfere in China’s internal affairs.
Fourth, China’s willingness to develop partnership with UK has not changed. As Wang Yi said to Secretary @DominicRaab, for the UK, China is an opportunity rather than a threat, a factor for growth rather than a cause for decline, a solution rather than a challenge or a risk.
There have been major changes＆serious deviations in UK’s perception＆definition of China. Huawei is about how UK sees＆deals with China. UK leaders have said they want to build a balanced, positive＆constructive China-UK relationship. We hope they will match words with actions.
A sound and stable China-UK relationship is not only in the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries but also conducive to world peace and prosperity. We have a thousand reasons to make this relationship successful, and not one reason to let it fail.
Three principles to make China-UK relationship successful. First, respect each other. China respects UK’s sovereignty and has never interfered in its internal affairs. It is important that the UK do the same, so as to avoid further harm to China-UK relationship.
Second, engage in mutually-beneficial cooperation. The two sides have both benefited from cooperation. We hope UK would resist pressure＆coercion of a certain country, ＆provide an open, fair＆non-discriminatory environment, so as to bring back confidence of Chinese businesses.
China-UK share broad consensus on many issues. When Brexit is completed＆Covid-19 is over, there will be unlimited prospects for China-UK cooperation in so many areas. “Decoupling” from China means decoupling from opportunities, decoupling from growth＆decoupling from the future.
Third, seek common ground despite differences. China and the UK differ in many areas. For the past 70 years, China and the UK have found common ground despite differences and went beyond ideological differences to achieve continuous progress in their bilateral relationship.
The relationship has been more substantial＆profound. This partnership is defined by equal treatment＆mutual benefit. Both should have wisdom＆capability to manage＆deal with differences, rather than allowing anti-China forces＆“Cold-War” warriors to “kidnap” our relationship.
UK has withstood pressure from others＆made right strategic choices at many critical historical junctures, from recognizing PRC to establishing diplomatic relationship; from taking part in AIIB to building a global comprehensive strategic partnership for 21st century with China.
China-UK relationship is standing at a critical historical juncture. I hope political leaders＆visionary people in UK would keep in mind big picture of international trend, prevent various disruptions＆make strategic choice that serves fundamental interests of our two peoples.
