Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has made representations to the Government of China on the freedom of operation of UK private enterprises and organisations.

We regularly make representations to China on the freedom of operation of UK private enterprises and organisations, including pressing for a level playing field. Our engagement with China aims to enhance market access, improve the business environment for all, and enhance the scope for people-to-people exchanges. Our experience is that freedom of expression and assembly, and the rule of law, are vital underpinnings for long-term prosperity and stability. We believe that, by having a strong relationship with China, we are able to have open discussions on a range of difficult issues.

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