§ 39. Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's relations with China. [112907]
§ Mr. BattleChina is an important and growing presence in the world, with which we need to engage. We have a good and wide ranging relationship with China, which is not just political and commercial, but includes areas such as culture, education and science and technology. Engagement with the Chinese at all levels enables us to promote our interests in these areas and to raise our concerns about human rights and other sensitive issues.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the proposed resolution on China, to be tabled at the 56th United Nations Commission on Human Rights; [114420]
(2) if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of co-sponsoring a resolution on China at the 56th United Nations Commission on Human Rights. [114422]
§ Mr. BattleWe are aware that the United States intends to table a resolution critical of China at the forthcoming 56th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. We are considering policy towards the resolution, including a position on co-sponsorship, with EU partners, as was the case in 1999. The matter will be discussed at the General Affairs Council on 21 March.