HC Deb 28 October 1997 vol 299 cc703-4
13. Ms Corston

If he will make a statement on Britain's relations with China. [12124]

Mr. Fatchett

We wish to establish a new, more constructive phase in our relationship with China, following the successful transfer of sovereignty in Hong Kong. When they met in New York in September, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and his Chinese opposite number agreed that we should aim to work together on a whole range of bilateral and global issues.

Ms Corston

Can my hon. Friend say how the Government intend to apply their welcome ethical foreign policy to China? Does he agree that, although we must be firm on human rights, the most effective way of improving human rights in China is to improve and strengthen all kinds of contact between our two countries, including economic ties?

Mr. Fatchett

We are keen to take the opportunity that has been presented by the successful handover of Hong Kong. We will engage with China on a range of issues.

Trade and the commercial side will be part of that, but we shall never underestimate the importance of human rights in the dialogue between the United Kingdom and China. I am pleased to say to my hon. Friend that we are making progress in that respect. We have just had the first working-level meeting between our officials and Chinese officials on some of the issues. We can see good signs of progress. We hope to see that as part of the new relationship.

Sir Patrick Cormack

Has the hon. Gentleman given further thought to how we in the House can best monitor developments in Hong Kong?

Mr. Fatchett

The way in which we do that is, of course, a matter for the House, not for Foreign Office Ministers. We have a number of opportunities. The hon. Gentleman is successful at raising the question of Hong Kong whenever the opportunity arises. There are Question Times, there will be debates on Hong Kong and an annual report will be published by the Foreign Office on the work of the Joint Liaison Group; so there will be many opportunities in the House, as well as meetings of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. The House will have a continuing interest in Hong Kong. That is right, because Britain has a continuing responsibility under the Sino-British agreement.

Mr. Tipping

In his discussions with the Chinese Government, will the Minister look closely at claims that the Chinese are making about global warming? They are clear that they need to make pledges and commitments. It is important that there is growth in China, but at the same time will my hon. Friend closely examine China's environmental credentials?

Mr. Fatchett

It is pleasing to see that the Chinese Government are tackling the issue of global warming. It is important that the developed countries take a lead. We shall not make progress if the rich hide behind their affluence and put the responsibility for global warming on the developing countries. We need a relationship between the developed and developing countries, and China will play an important part in that.