China Task Force
The China Task Force was created at the request of the Prime Minister and
is headed by the Deputy Prime Minister. The Task Force is working to deepen
relations, foster mutual understanding, and further co-operation between
China and the United Kingdom.
Background
The China Task Force was set up in November 2003, following visits to China
by both the PM and the DPM in the second half of the year.
The Task Force was originally asked to look at four areas: Science and
Technology; Trade and Investment; Education; and Sustainable
Development/Environment. In 2005 its remit was expanded to include Culture
and Health and Development issues, and new members were recruited to
add expertise in these areas.
The Deputy Prime Minister was delighted to introduce Premier Wen Jiabao to
the members of the Task Force when the Premier visited the UK in May 2004.
He was also very pleased to present Premier Wen with a series of Task Force
recommendations. Since this meeting, the Task Force met with President Hu
Jintao in December 2005, and had a further meeting with Premier Wen in
September 2006 at which issues of mutual importance across a number of Task
Force themes were discussed. A report detailing progress on Task Force
recommendations was presented to Premier Wen in September 2006.
Further meetings of the Task Force took place in November 2004,
July and October 2005, February, June and September 2006 and February
2007. The Prime Minister attended the July 2005 meeting and took the
opportunity to commend the Task Force on its work so far, thanking members
for their efforts and asking for their continuing support.
