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20 January 2026 - The UK Government’s China Audit - Oral evidence

Committee Foreign Affairs Committee
Inquiry The UK Government’s China Audit

Tuesday 20 January 2026

Start times: 9:30am (private) 10:00am (public)


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What can the UK learn from other countries’ China strategies?

Despite conducting a “China Audit”, in June 2025 the UK Government declined to publish its findings. Following this announcement, the Foreign Affairs Committee Chair said that “Parliament and the public have been left with more questions than answers…At the moment we are operating in the dark”.  

In this evidence session, Members will explore the different approaches to relations with China taken by other countries, focusing on Germany and Japan.

Meeting details

At 10:00am: Oral evidence
Inquiry The UK Government’s China Audit
Ambassador at Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the United Kingdom
At 10:45am: Oral evidence
Inquiry The UK Government’s China Audit
Japan Chair at International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Professor of International Politics at Keio University, Japan
Professor of Political Science, Japanese Studies Department at French Institute of Oriental and African Studies (Inalco)

In the first panel, Members will hear from HE Susanne Baumann, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Kingdom. Questions will explore the origins and development of Germany’s China strategy, as well as the reasons for adopting a distinct official strategy.  

In the second panel, experts will give evidence on Japan’s policies towards China. Questions are likely to cover the need for Japan to balance economic opportunities with national security concerns in relation to China. Members are likely to also ask about increase in tensions between Japan and China regarding Taiwan.

Location

To be confirmed

How to attend