page_title: China–United Kingdom relations
section_title: Between the UK and the People's Republic of China (1949–present)
hierarchical_section_title: China–United Kingdom relations / Chronology / Between the UK and the People's Republic of China (1949–present)
caption_attribution_description: English: Chinese Embassy building in the Portland Place in the City of Westminster, London, England, Great Britain 中文（简体）‎: 中国驻英国大使馆 The making of this file was supported by Wikimedia UK. To see other files made with the support of Wikimedia UK, please see the category Supported by Wikimedia UK. Camera location51°&#160;31′&#160;14.97″&#160;N, 0°&#160;08′&#160;43.1″&#160;W&#160;&#160;&#160;View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap - Google Earth
context_page_description: Chinese-United Kingdom relations, more commonly known as British–Chinese relations, Anglo-Chinese relations and Sino-British relations, refers to the interstate relations between China and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom and China were on opposing sides of the Cold War. Both countries are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. In recent months, the relations between the two countries have been controversial and hostile due to the Hong Kong national security law that was passed by China in June 30, 2020.
context_section_description: The United Kingdom and the anti-Communist Nationalist Chinese government were allies during World War II. Britain sought stability in China after the war to protect its more than £300 million in investments, much more than from the United States. It agreed in the Moscow Agreement of 1945 to not interfere in Chinese affairs but sympathised with the Nationalists, who until 1947 were winning the Chinese Civil War against the Communist Party of China.
  By August 1948, however, the Communists' victories caused the British government to begin preparing for a Communist takeover of the country. It kept open consulates in Communist-controlled areas and rejected the Nationalists' requests that British citizens assist in the defence of Shanghai. By December, the government concluded that although British property in China would likely be nationalised, British traders would benefit in the long run from a stable, industrialising Communist China. Retaining Hong Kong was especially important; although the Communists promised to not interfere with its rule, Britain reinforced the Hong Kong Garrison during 1949. When the victorious Communist government declared on 1 October 1949 that it would exchange diplomats with any country that ended relations with the Nationalists, Britain—after discussions with other Commonwealth members and European countries—formally recognised the People's Republic of China in January 1950.
  20 April 1949 - The People's Liberation Army attacks HMS Amethyst (F116) travelling to the British Embassy in Nanjing in the Amethyst incident. The Chinese Communists do not recognise the Unequal treaties and protest the ship's right to sail on the Yangtze.
  6 January 1950 - The United Kingdom recognises the PRC as the government of China and posts a chargé d'affaires ad interim in Beijing (Peking). The British expect a rapid exchange of Ambassadors.  However, the PRC demands concessions on the Chinese seat at the UN and the foreign assets of the Republic of China.
  c.1950 - British companies seeking trade with the PRC form the Group of 48 (now  China-Britain Business Council).
  1950 - British Commonwealth Forces in Korea successfully defend Hill 282 against Chinese and North Korean forces in the Battle of Pakchon, part of the Korean War.
  1950 - The Chinese People's Volunteer Army defeat U.N forces, including the British at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, part of the Korean War
  1951 - Chinese forces clash with U.N forces including the British at the Imjin River.
  1951 - Chinese forces attacking outnumbered British Commonwealth forces are held back in the Battle of Kapyong.
  1951 - British Commonwealth forces successfully capture Hill 317 from Chinese forces in the Battle of Maryang San.
  1953 - Outnumbered British forces successfully defend Yong Dong against Chinese forces in the Battle of the Hook.
  1954 - The Sino-British Trade Committee formed as semi-official trade body (later merged with the Group of 48).
  1954 - A British Labour Party delegation including Clement Attlee visits China at the invitation of then Foreign Minister Zhou Enlai.  Attlee became the first high-ranking western politician to meet Mao Zedong.
  17 June 1954 - Following talks at the Geneva Conference, the PRC agrees to station a chargé d'affaires in London. The same talks resulted in an agreement to  re-open a British office in Shanghai, and the grant of exit visas to several British businessmen confined to the mainland since 1951.
  1961 - The UK begins to vote in the General Assembly for PRC membership of the United Nations. It has abstained on votes since 1950.
  June 1967 - Red Guards break into the British Legation in Beijing and assault three diplomats and a secretary. The PRC authorities refuse to condemn the action. British officials in Shanghai were attacked in a separate incident, as the PRC authorities attempted to close the office there.
  June–August 1967 - Hong Kong 1967 riots. The commander of  the Guangzhou Military Region, Huang Yongsheng, secretly suggests invading Hong Kong, but  his plan is vetoed by Zhou Enlai.
  July 1967 - Hong Kong 1967 riots - 
caption: Chinese Embassy in London
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