Prime Minister Andy Burnham has raised UK domestic security, Russia's war in Ukraine, Hong Kong and human rights directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping during talks between the two leaders.
Downing Street confirmed that Burnham spoke to Xi on Tuesday morning, with the conversation also covering economic growth, living standards and the future of the wider UK-China relationship.
The call saw both leaders affirm their commitment to what Downing Street described as a “long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership” between Britain and China, while Burnham made clear that areas of disagreement would also be addressed.
Burnham raises domestic security with Xi
According to the official Downing Street readout, the Prime Minister told Xi that he intended to engage with China frankly and constructively on issues that mattered to both countries.
Burnham raised domestic security as well as Russia's war in Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular cases described by Downing Street as being of particular importance.
No further details were provided about the individual security or consular cases discussed, and the Government did not announce any new sanctions or other measures following the conversation.
UK and China back continued strategic partnership
Despite the areas of disagreement raised by Burnham, the two leaders affirmed their commitment to a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and China.
Downing Street said that, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major global economies, Britain and China discussed the importance of pragmatic cooperation in advancing their respective interests and tackling shared global challenges.
The leaders agreed to remain in contact and said dialogue between the two governments would continue across a range of mutual priorities.
Economic growth and living standards discussed
Burnham and Xi also discussed opportunities within the UK-China relationship, including economic growth and improving living standards in both countries.
The official readout did not announce any new trade agreement, investment package or other economic deal arising from the call.
The discussion nevertheless signals that Burnham's Government intends to pursue economic engagement with Beijing while continuing to raise security and human-rights concerns directly with China's leadership.
Ukraine and Hong Kong remain points of concern
Russia's war in Ukraine and the situation in Hong Kong remain significant issues in Britain's relationship with Beijing.
By raising those subjects alongside domestic security and human rights, Burnham used the conversation to set out issues on which his Government expects frank engagement with China.
Downing Street did not provide Xi's response to the individual concerns raised by the Prime Minister.
Burnham offers condolences following border floods
The Prime Minister began the conversation by expressing his condolences for those who lost their lives in recent flooding on the Nepal-China border.
Burnham also expressed appreciation for rescue efforts and the support provided to British nationals affected by the flooding.
Government signals pragmatic approach to Beijing
The call provides an early indication of Burnham's approach to one of Britain's most complicated international relationships.
The Government is signalling that it wants pragmatic economic and diplomatic cooperation with China while maintaining the ability to challenge Beijing over security, Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular issues.
Both leaders agreed that dialogue between their governments would continue.