Press Story

Responding to the prime minister’s visit to China, Laura Chappell, associate director for international policy at IPPR, said:

“Starmer’s China visit reflects Britain’s new reality: with an unreliable US and post-Brexit constraints, diversifying partnerships is necessary. Greater engagement with Beijing could bring real benefits, including growth and rising living standards - but there will be trade-offs. The government’s approach of ‘cooperate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must’ sounds compelling, but in practice those boundaries are blurred.

“This rebalancing risks drawing the lines in the wrong places as well as alienating other partners - not least the US. Setting a clear position on China is difficult, and following through in today’s geopolitical maelstrom will be even harder. But deeper knowledge and relationships are usually a net positive, and if this visit helps build them, that will be a plus.”

ENDS

Laura Chappell and other IPPR experts are available for interview

CONTACT

Rosie Okumbe, digital and media officer, 07825 185 421 r.okumbe@ippr.org

Liam Evans, head of news and media, 07419 365 334 l.evans@ippr.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

IPPR is the UK’s most influential think tank, with alumni in Downing Street, the cabinet and parliament. We are the ideas factory behind many of the current government’s flagship policies, including changes to fiscal rules, the creation of a National Wealth Fund, GB Energy, devolution, and reforms to the NHS. IPPR is an independent charity which has seconded staff to government departments including DHSC and DESNZ to support ministers on crucial policies such as the 10-year health plan and the industrial strategy: www.ippr.org