We can’t address any global challenge without engaging China – Harriet Thompson

• May 4, 2023

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, says China cannot be ignored when it comes to efforts addressing the global challenges facing the world.

According to her, China’s status as a global superpower means that it has to be engaged on global issues including climate change, nuclear threats, and the Covid-19 pandemic among others.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Harriet Thompson said the only challenge dealing with China is the difference in governance systems which is at odds with the democratised West.

“It’s undeniable. China is a superpower. And there is no challenge, no global challenge facing our world today that we could possibly hope to deal with without engaging China.

“When you think about climate change, when you think about the pandemic, when you think about economic stability, when you think about the nuclear threat, all of these things we have to have China at the table, and so engaging with China is crucial.

“However, there are differences in our systems. China has an autocratic system that we as the UK, US, Ghana, believe strongly in democracy. With that autocracy comes a different view of human rights issues, for example,” she said.

“So when we see when we see China undertaking and behaviors that we believe are unacceptable, then we will be bold in calling those out. So it’s about both engagement and being confident in challenging,” she added.