Engagement with China is ‘sensible and responsible’, Rishi Sunak says

Prime minister says China not on ‘predetermined course’ to increased autocracy

Rishi Sunak (centre) with (l to r) Col Jaimie Norman, Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord, and Commander Gus Carnie during his visit to San Diego (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire)

Rishi Sunak has said it was sensible to maintain engagement with Beijing because China was not on a “predetermined course” towards increased autocracy.

The prime minister said the UK was not “blind or naive” about the risks posed by China, but he suggested Xi Jinping could still change course.

Mr Sunak has come under pressure from senior Tories to take a tougher line on China.