British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is scheduled to visit China in March to resume discussions on energy cooperation and engage with Chinese investors. The visit aims to strengthen ties with China amidst escalating tensions between the US, EU, and China. Miliband will be in Beijing from March 17-19 to discuss recalibrating the UK's approach to Chinese investment, focusing on job creation and critical infrastructure projects excluding nuclear power. Collaboration on clean energy and energy security will be key topics of discussion during Miliband's meeting with Chinese Energy Minister Wang Hongzhi.
Miliband is also set to promote British investment opportunities to private Chinese investors. The trip, part of the Labour government's efforts to improve relations with China, follows previous strained interactions under Conservative leadership. The British government has refrained from imposing import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, unlike the US and Europe, in light of accusations of unfair subsidies. Chinese automakers such as BYD, Chery, and XPeng have a presence in the UK market.
This visit by Miliband marks the third by a Labour minister to China since the appointment of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is expected to make his own visit later this year. The trip follows a recent visit by China's foreign minister to Britain, signaling efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. The UK is enhancing its diplomatic ties with China by appointing a new Mandarin-speaking diplomat. China is a significant trading partner for the UK, with bilateral trade amounting to 32 billion pounds in 2021.