News by email Donate

Suggestions

China-visit-to-Britain-2015-main_article_image.jpg
PA
UK News

Government defends relationship with China in response to question from Christian MP Stephen Timms

The member for East Ham asked of Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire "whether he plans to express concern about persecution of religious groups in China with President Xi Jinping during his visit to the UK?".

In his response, Mr Swire said: "We raise the range of our human rights concerns directly with China. We do so during the annual UK-China Human Rights Dialogue. We also highlight them publicly in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy (www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk).

"Ministers regularly engage China on human rights. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Phillip Hammond, did so during the UK-China Strategic Dialogue in Beijing in August, as did the Chancellor, George Osborne, during his visit in September.

"Discussions during the State Visit will be broad, covering areas both where we agree and disagree."

PA

The question and response has been released as Chinese president Xi Jinping receives a red carpet welcome to the UK.

On Tuesday night he was given a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

PA

His visit has seen thousands taken to the streets to offer support however a number of human rights protesters were also heard booing.

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate