§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between China and the UK. [150040]
§ Mr. RammellWe currently enjoy good relations with China. These have been built on regular high level visits in both directions, as well as lower level exchanges on many different issues.
As part of our efforts to increase collaboration between the UK and China, a Task Force was set up in September 2003 under my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's leadership in order to make firm recommendations for action. Work is progressing and we hope to announce these in late spring.
55WWe have welcomed China's support in the fight against terrorism and have encouraged her to engage constructively in international fora.
We do, nevertheless, continue to raise with the Chinese authorities areas where we disagree, such as Human Rights.