Scotland-China relations

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has met with Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong in Edinburgh.

The meeting took place on the first full day of the Vice Premier's official visit to the UK. Discussion points included gender and social equality, higher education and the cultural connections between the two countries.

Yesterday (Monday), a number of regional representatives from China and the UK met in Edinburgh to discuss regional cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop and attended by the First Minister.

Ms Hyslop also attended a cultural forum with the Vice Premier at the National Galleries of Scotland today, organised by the British Council.

The First Minister said:

“I am delighted to have been able to welcome Vice Premier Liu Yandong and the rest of her delegation to Scotland. Scotland and China have a close relationship, and it is one we value.

“One of the main pillars in our relationship with China is the importance of equality and respect for human rights. This is a subject I spoke about during my previous visit to China, and this is something we had the opportunity to discuss again today.

“China is an important export market for Scottish products, particularly food and drink, but also including engineering, pharmaceuticals and financial services. We have strong cultural links, and I’m pleased that Scotland continues to welcome significant numbers of tourists from China.

“In the education field we have increasing numbers of Chinese students choosing to study in Scotland, and 18 of our higher education institutions have academic and research links with their counterparts in China. This is just one area we will be looking to build on in the years ahead.”

Background:

This week’s visit by Vice Premier Liu Yandong is part of the on-going People to People dialogue between China and the UK, established in 2012.