British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and Vice President Han Zheng. He is the first British foreign secretary to visit China in five years.

The talks took place on Wednesday in Beijing.

British leaders have been critical of China's human rights abuses, support for Russia, and other issues. Cleverly said he is "clear-eyed" about areas in which the British and the Chinese disagree but that "diplomacy makes a difference."

Wang told Cleverly that dialogue and cooperation are the keywords and main tone of China's policy towards the UK. He added, however, that there have been "some noises" in the relationship.

Cleverly replied that he "foresees opportunities" for both Chinese and British people that benefit the wider world if they can ensure the "bilateral relationship remains positive."

During the talks, Cleverly stressed the "damage to rights and freedoms" in Hong Kong caused by the National Security Law imposed by Beijing. He also broached the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

On the same day, members of a British parliamentary committee published a report referring to Taiwan as an "independent country." A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said they are "confusing right and wrong" and urged them to abide by the "one-China principle."

Lawmakers in Parliament have criticized Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government for a lack of coherence over China. However, Cleverly said he and Chinese leaders agreed to cooperate on global challenges such as climate change. He added that it is important to maintain "a pragmatic, sensible working relationship."