InterviewUK cautiously seeks to rebuild ties with China, trade minister says
Douglas Alexander raises Jimmy Lai case and broader human rights issues in Hong Kong
Douglas Alexander, U.K. minister of state for trade policy and economic security, talked to Nikkei Asia on board the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales harbored in Tokyo on Aug. 30. (Photo by Kenji Kawase)
KENJI KAWASE
August 30, 2025 19:20 JST
TOKYO -- U.K. trade minister Douglas Alexander on Saturday vowed to enhance Britain's national interest by mending ties with China, which became strained under the previous Conservative administration. But he signaled an intention to tread carefully, given the risk of criticism over London's stance on Beijing's human rights record.