May I add some comments on party conferences, having been to around a dozen over the years, often keeping an eye out for those about China and foreign policy?
The relative lack of focus on foreign policy at party conferences is unfortunate, but nothing unusual.
You have to remember, fringe events are mainly paid for by external interest groups such as business groups or campaigning organisations, the vast majority of which aren’t interested in focusing on China directly – although, it’s a sign of the times the country still gets in passing, such as the embarrassing comparison you noted about HS2.
I’m not nearly so pessimistic as you on the apparent attention towards China: In my opinion, the fact that the Foreign Secretary sat down for a solid 30-minute discussion on China policy at Party Conference, is pretty notable. I don’t recall anything so detailed on an individual country in any conference I’ve previously joined. If this is any measure, it suggests that China policy really matters to the Conservatives.
From what you say, Labour conference will also see more attention towards China, albeit likely with a different policy focus. If their fringe discussions focus on HK and Taiwan, it suggests that those policy areas are more important towards their party members and potential voters, as well as policy likely being more open to influence (hardly surprising, given they are in opposition).
Finally, having people like yourselves join party conferences is excellent: the more attention we have towards policy discussion and these fascinating opportunities to be involved in democracy, the better.
Thanks for your latest excellent discussion.
May I add some comments on party conferences, having been to around a dozen over the years, often keeping an eye out for those about China and foreign policy?
The relative lack of focus on foreign policy at party conferences is unfortunate, but nothing unusual.
You have to remember, fringe events are mainly paid for by external interest groups such as business groups or campaigning organisations, the vast majority of which aren’t interested in focusing on China directly – although, it’s a sign of the times the country still gets in passing, such as the embarrassing comparison you noted about HS2.
I’m not nearly so pessimistic as you on the apparent attention towards China: In my opinion, the fact that the Foreign Secretary sat down for a solid 30-minute discussion on China policy at Party Conference, is pretty notable. I don’t recall anything so detailed on an individual country in any conference I’ve previously joined. If this is any measure, it suggests that China policy really matters to the Conservatives.
From what you say, Labour conference will also see more attention towards China, albeit likely with a different policy focus. If their fringe discussions focus on HK and Taiwan, it suggests that those policy areas are more important towards their party members and potential voters, as well as policy likely being more open to influence (hardly surprising, given they are in opposition).
Finally, having people like yourselves join party conferences is excellent: the more attention we have towards policy discussion and these fascinating opportunities to be involved in democracy, the better.
Keep up the good work!
Mark, thanks for this! Labour conference should be absolutely fascinating and I think there will be a number more events on FoPo!