BEIJING — The UK’s Foreign Secretary has described the need for engagement with China as both “pragmatic and necessary,” marking the first visit by a cabinet minister since the Labor government came into power in July.

David Lammy’s visit began with a meeting on Friday with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, with plans for discussions with Foreign Minister Wang Yi later in the day.

This two-day trip seeks to mend the diplomatic rift with Beijing that has developed over recent years due to allegations of espionage, China’s backing of Russia amid the Ukraine conflict, and the tightening grip on civil liberties in Hong Kong, which was a British territory before its return to China.

“We need to frequently and openly discuss key issues, ranging from halting Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine to advancing a global green transition, covering both contentious topics and those where our national interests align,” Lammy stated in a news release from the Foreign Office.

The release highlighted Lammy’s aim to call on China to cease its political and economic backing of Russia in the ongoing war.

Recently, the United States imposed sanctions on two Chinese firms for allegedly assisting in the construction of long-range attack drones for use in the conflict. In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington dismissed these claims as unfounded.

During his trip, Lammy is also set to travel to Shanghai to engage with British business leaders, as China, along with Hong Kong, ranks as the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner.

Human rights organizations have urged Lammy to address Beijing’s actions regarding the suppression of dissent in regions such as Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that securing the release of British citizen Jimmy Lai remains a top priority. The media publisher from Hong Kong has been detained since December 2020 and is scheduled to testify next month in connection with a significant national security trial.