The Scottish arts bodies accompanying Sir Keir Starmer on diplomacy mission to mend relations with China

The Scottish arts organisations are among 60 business, cultural and sporting groups on the three-day trip, where the UK Government leader has said he wants to forge stability and clarity in the government’s approach to the country.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival will be represented on the visit by director Jenny Niven, while NGS director general Anne Lyden is also travelling to China.

Jason Windsor, chief executive of Edinburgh headquartered financial firm Aberdeen Group is also in the delegation, alongside UK businesses and cultural organisations such as HSBC, GSK, Jaguar Land Rover and the National Theatre.

Ms Niven said: “It’s a terrific opportunity for EIBF and we’re honoured to be included in the delegation of leading businesses and cultural organisations representing the UK.

“It’s a significant moment for international relations that its excellent culture is meaningfully represented amongst what Britain has to offer and share with the world. We look forward to meeting colleagues and exploring opportunities for exchange, and dialogue.”

Read more: Ming Yang £1.5bn wind plant in Scotland put on hold over security risk

The trip is the first visit by a UK prime minister to China, the world’s second largest economy, since Theresa May in 2018.

Earlier this month, Downing Street gave the go-ahead to plans to build a new Chinese embassy in London, removing a major diplomatic hurdle in relations between the two countries.

The visit comes as reports claimed plans to grant permission to a huge Chinese wind turbine factory in Scotland have been put back over security fears. Sir Keir Starmer had been expected to give the £1.5 billion Ming Yang manufacturing facility, which would create up to 1,500 jobs, the go-ahead during his trip to China, however it is thought a decision will be taken at a later date.

The Prime Minister will meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Thursday for talks on trade, investment and national security, before travelling to Shanghai for a range of engagements with British and Chinese businesses.

Sir Keir said: “For years, our approach to China has been dogged by inconsistency – blowing hot and cold, from Golden Age to Ice Age. But like it or not, China matters for the UK.

“As one of the world’s biggest economic players, a strategic and consistent relationship with them is firmly in our national interest. That does not mean turning a blind eye to the challenges they pose – but engaging even where we disagree.”

He added: “This is what our allies do, and what I will do: delivering for the public, putting more money in their pockets and keeping them safe through pragmatic, consistent co-operation abroad.”

Following his trip to China, the Prime Minister will travel to Tokyo to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

NGS and the Edinburgh International Book Festival have been contacted for comment.