The UK Government’s approach to China is changing. From the ‘Golden Era’ a decade ago to a frosty stand-off in the past few years, the new Labour government is pursuing a strategy of ‘reconnection’ – balancing opportunities for economic collaboration with an awareness of the associated risks.

This new approach was discussed at the Silverstone UK-China Business Forum in November, along with the renewal of links between Northamptonshire and China dating back to 2018 when the University of Northampton helped facilitate an MOU between Northampton Borough Council and the city of Dalian.

High potential

China is the UK’s sixth-largest trading partner, with enormous potential for growth. While the UK government focuses on boosting exports to China, regional initiatives like the Silverstone UK-China Business Forum offer a basis for cross- sector collaboration, involving the business, government and academic sectors. Silverstone has the potential to act as a major hub for commercial links with Chinese cities that share a similar cluster profile in high-performance engineering, motorsport etc.

The forum was organised by the University of Northampton with the China UK Business Development Centre, headed by John McLean OBE. The VIP guest was Madam Bao, Minister for Economic & Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in London.

Madame Bao reported that China is ready for ‘mutually beneficial cooperation’ in trade, finance, green development, science and technology, health, education and culture.

R&D and investment

The UK’s approach to R&D collaboration with China aims to enhance innovation while safeguarding intellectual property. The Silverstone UK-China Business Forum underscores this with plans for collaborative research in high-tech sectors. Recent Chinese advancements in IP protection provide reassurance that partnerships can yield mutual benefits rather than one-sided technology transfers without legal back-up.

The UK government remains open to Chinese invest- ments, particularly those that support local economies without compromising national security. Initiatives like the Silverstone forum emphasise the potential for inward invest- ment, especially in education, health and green technologies. These investments could enhance productivity and foster innovation, as well as growth through new Chinese markets.

Managing risks

While the UK government is mindful of economic opportunities, it remains cautious about risks such as cyber espionage and dependency on Chinese technology. This national perspective informs regional actions, ensuring a focus on non-sensitive sectors for collaboration with robust IP protections.

Ethical and human rights concerns also shape UK-China relations. However, the Silverstone forum stressed the importance of – and need for – a more balanced narrative about China, one that recognises China’s high economic power and, in many cases, more advanced technological development.

Vision for the future

The Silverstone forum highlights a shift in tone towards a more collaborative and optimistic outlook for Anglo- Chinese relations. By building a regional platform for trade, innovation, and investment, the forum aims to create a thriving relationship with Chinese counterparts over the next two years, focusing on close links with selected Chinese cities, with government support, from both countries, to manage any risks.

The forum aims to follow the successful Liverpool China Partnership, an award-winning organisation set up in 2015 to expand Liverpool’s business, academic, and civic partner- ships with China.

In summary, the UK’s latest policy towards China is characterised by cautious optimism. Initiatives like the Silverstone UK-China Business Forum can provide a regional platform for leveraging opportunities while managing risks, through a partnership approach to selected Chinese regions and markets, thus contributing to a balanced and forward- looking relationship that drives innovation and growth.

For more information contact Adrian Pryce on 07720 297402 or email Adrian.pryce@northampton.ac.uk

Find out more about the China UK Business Development Centre at http://www.cbbdc.org