Recently, the United Kingdom announced sanctions against entities and individuals from a number of countries, including three Chinese companies, for "supporting the Russian war machine". This news has sparked widespread attention and discussion. However, the Chinese embassy in the UK responded to this, saying that China has always maintained an objective and fair position on the Ukraine issue, and that the UK's sanctions have fueled the war and made the peace process slim. The Chinese side also warned the British side that any action that undermines China's interests will be resolutely retaliated. It is worth mentioning that before the announcement of the sanctions by the United Kingdom, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also had a phone call with Chinese Minister Wang Yi, and the two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. However, the British side does not seem to have heeded China's advice. This article will provide a comprehensive interpretation of this incident and the development of Sino-British relations.
The UK announced sanctions against Chinese companies and blamed them for "supporting the Russian war machine". However, the Chinese Embassy in the UK resolutely responded to this, pointing out that the UK's sanctions are contrary to international law and an abuse of China's legitimate rights and interests. The Chinese side stressed that cooperation between China and Russia is based on international principles and norms and is not directed against any third party, so the UK has no right to interfere. In fact, the root cause of the conflict in Ukraine is NATO's continuous eastward expansion, which has seriously squeezed Russia's strategic space. The conflict, which has not yet been resolved, is directly linked to the United States and Western countries. Ukraine** has said that one of the reasons for the breakdown of peace talks last year was that Western countries did not want the conflict to stop, but instead suggested that Ukraine continue to confront the Russian army. Britain has been more aggressive than the United States on this issue, and both countries are trying to use this conflict for geopolitical gain. Therefore, on the Ukraine issue, the UK is not qualified to blame China, let alone impose unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies. This incident has once again aroused people's attention to Sino-British relations.
During his tenure as prime minister, Cameron maintained a pragmatic China policy, emphasizing cooperation rather than confrontation, creating a "leading period" in Sino-British relations. However, Cameron's return to the post of foreign secretary seems to have become more confrontational on China-related issues. During his visit to China in 2013, Cameron publicly vowed to be China's strongest supporter in the Western world. In the phone call with China's first minister, Wang Yi, Cameron did not mention that he was China's strongest supporter, only saying that "engagement" with China was in the interests of both sides. The change has raised concerns about Cameron's attitude toward China. Overall, the UK's foreign strategy has undergone a major adjustment since Brexit, with a preference for an alliance with the US in pursuit of global influence. Sunak has set out a vision of a "global Britain", and his diplomatic strategy largely continues this idea. Although Cameron is currently only the foreign secretary and cannot completely change the China strategy, the situation is changing. The Conservative Party's support is declining, and next year is approaching, no matter which party is in power, China should not expect too much. In the midst of the profound changes unseen in a century, China must always be ready to fight and be fully prepared to defend its own interests.
China-UK relations have gone through years of development and achieved certain results, but in recent years, some differences and frictions have emerged between the two sides on some issues, such as the change in the UK's attitude towards China and the sanctions imposed on Chinese companies. There is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and the UK, on the contrary, there is huge room for cooperation in the economic and financial fields. However, the British side's perception of China has been skewed, and China is regarded as a challenger, which has hindered the development of relations between the two countries. The UK's announcement of sanctions against Chinese companies also exposes the close alliance between the UK and the US. As the Conservative Party's approval rating declines, China needs to be more vigilant and proactive in handling China-UK relations. As the world enters an era of great power competition, China needs to be vigilant at all times, protect its own interests, and seek more opportunities for cooperation.
Summary: The differences between China and the UK over Ukraine have exposed the differences in their views on international affairs and their policies toward China. The UK's sanctions are contrary to international law, and China will always resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Against the backdrop of global changes, China needs to remain vigilant at all times to protect its own interests and seek more opportunities for cooperation to promote the sound and steady development of China-UK relations.