LONDON — UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper will travel to China on Monday before heading to India later in the week for a series of high-level meetings focused on pressing global issues, including security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, the Russia–Ukraine war, and the recent Ebola outbreak.
According to the British government, Cooper is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on June 2. She will then visit the southern technology hub of Shenzhen on June 3 for engagements focused on science and technology cooperation.
The visit follows reports by Reuters last month that preparations for the trip were underway.
The diplomatic mission comes months after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to China in January. Both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, and technology as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations.
Focus on Global Challenges
Cooper’s visits to China and India—the world’s second- and sixth-largest economies, respectively—take place amid heightened geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices linked to the ongoing U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran, and concerns over slowing economic growth in Britain.
She is expected to arrive in India on June 4, where she will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Her itinerary also includes meetings with entrepreneurs, academics, and government partners involved in delivering the UK–India Vision 2035 initiative.
Britain and India signed a free trade agreement last year aimed at boosting bilateral commerce and expanding market access across key sectors. However, Indian Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal recently indicated that implementation of the deal has encountered challenges following the introduction of new UK steel import restrictions.
The British government said Cooper’s engagements with the two major powers are expected to focus on addressing some of the world’s most significant challenges and strengthening international cooperation.
Source: Reuters
