Kerry Brown, Director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College London

Within the UK Government’s recently-published Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, the challenge posed by China’s growing global influence is a core and recurrent theme.  Alongside acknowledging the systemic challenge posed by China, the UK has committed to pursuing a positive trade and investment relationship with Beijing, although how this will be achieved remains undefined.

To discuss the implications of the Integrated Review for the UK’s relationship with China, Asia House will welcome Professor Kerry Brown, Director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College London, for an off-the-record briefing with Corporate Members.

Professor Brown – one of the UK’s leading China experts – will reflect upon the UK-China relationship and consider how relations can remain constructive and collaborative when and where they can.

The briefing takes place as bilateral tensions flare around issues including the national security law in Hong Kong and China’s increasing maritime assertiveness, and the recent sanction exchanges between the UK and China.  These developments have led to increased political pressure from both within Westminster and from foreign partners for the UK to toughen its stance on China, threatening to undermine collaborative engagement on climate change and other key issues of mutual concern. As the Biden Administration pushes for a more hawkish and aligned China strategy with its key allies ahead of June’s G7 meeting in Cornwall, how the UK balances relations with Beijing is set to be a challenge that could define the years ahead.

This briefing is being held exclusively for Asia House Corporate Members. Find out more about Corporate Membership at Asia House.

To register interest in joining this briefing, please email Edward Danks:  edward.danks@asiahouse.co.uk