Britain sends junior minister to Taiwan for trade talks

British junior trade minister Douglas Alexander is visiting Taiwan for trade talks, a move that could strain relations with China despite efforts to improve ties.

British junior trade minister Douglas Alexander is holding talks in Taiwan on Sunday, as part of a trip aimed at boosting trade with the island, which China claims as its territory.

The UK government confirmed the visit, saying Alexander will be in Taiwan for annual trade talks on June 29-30. His agenda includes witnessing the signing of UK-Taiwan trade partnership pillars and meeting with the island’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Lai Ching-te as part of what London described as its “long-standing unofficial relationship” with Taipei.

China strongly opposes any official interactions between Taiwan and foreign governments, viewing them as support for Taiwan’s desire for greater international recognition. Beijing has urged countries to abide by the one-China principle and avoid formal exchanges with Taiwanese officials.

Britain does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but maintains a de facto embassy in Taipei. By convention, junior British ministers hold talks with DPP authorities, while senior ministers avoid official meetings.

Alexander highlighted the economic opportunities in a statement: “We share a long-standing trade relationship with Taiwan and our trade reached an all-time high last year, but we know there are still more opportunities for British businesses.”

The visit comes as Britain and China seek to repair ties. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to visit Beijing later this year, marking the first trip by a UK leader since 2018.

However, tensions remain. Last week, China’s military criticised the sailing of a British warship through the Taiwan Strait, describing it as a deliberate attempt to “cause trouble.”

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