James Cleverley had 'hard talks' with China about human rights

James Cleverly meets Wednesday with Han Zheng, Vice President of China. Credit: FLORENCE LO/REUTERS

James Cleverley said he would not «shy away» from «tough talk» with China as he raised human rights issues «at every» meeting he held in Beijing.

< p>Mr Cleverley held talks with senior Chinese government officials on Wednesday, becoming the first British Foreign Secretary to visit the country in half a century.

Following the meetings, the Cabinet Minister was under pressure to ask if simply raising question of China's human rights commitments amid fears of violations in Xinjiang.

Mr Cleverley told Sky News: «I have had several conversations with senior Chinese government officials and I have raised human rights issues in each of these meetings and I will continue to do so.

«It is a question which is widely discussed not only at the bilateral level, but also at the United Nations and I take very seriously the report prepared by the United Nations based on data from the Chinese government.

“So this will remain a topic of discussion that I bring up along with other areas, and I'm not going to change my position on this issue, and I think the Chinese government understands that the UK is consistent in its approach. approach and I will continue to raise these issues with the Chinese government.»

This is the first visit to China by a British Foreign Secretary since 2018. Photo: FLORENCE LO/REUTERS

Mr. Cleverly also tweeted: “Engaging with China does not mean we shy away from difficult conversations. It is about expressing our concerns directly, face to face. That's why I'm here.»

The Foreign Minister held talks with Han Zheng, Vice President of China, and at the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Cleverly said face-to-face talks were important to «avoid misunderstandings» between the two nations .

Speaking during the couple's meeting, Mr Cleverly said: «It is important that countries like ours meet regularly and talk face to face in order to improve mutual understanding, avoid misunderstandings and resolve the problems and differences of opinion that all countries have in bilateral relations.

Mr. Cleverley was also scheduled to hold talks with Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister.

In addition to presenting human rights issues, Mr. Cleverly was expected to discuss Hong Kong , the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine.

This is the first visit by a British foreign secretary to China since 2018.

The visit by the foreign secretary will set the stage for a potential meeting between Rishi Sunak and Xi Jinping , president of China, at next month's G20 summit in India.

But Mr Cleverly's trip highlighted divisions within the Conservative Party over how the UK should engage with China, according to some figures. arguing for a much tougher approach.

The Telegraph understands that there are figures at the table of Mr. Sunak's cabinet who were opposed to Mr. Cleverly's visit.