UK-China Policy Forum
OCPL convened the first UK-China Policy Forum (UKCPF) from January-July 2023, with the support of the Oxford Policy Engagement Network. UKCPF created a space for academics and policymakers to learn from and with each other on the most pressing issues in US-China relations, with a particular focus on their policy impact in the UK. At UKCPF, researchers gained a better understanding of critical challenges facing London-based policymakers, while researchers shared key frameworks and findings with policymakers. UKCPF met monthly to discuss pressing topics. Broad topic areas included:
Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI governance
Supply chains, economic statecraft, and decoupling
Health, pandemic prevention, and biotechnology
China-facing capabilities and talent pipelines
The human dimension of tense relations
Members of UKCPF were selected on an individual basis for their personal commitment to engaging with US-China relations in a rigorous and evidence-based manner from key policy positions based in and around Westminster.
We are grateful to the Tony Blair Institute for serving as our primary policy partner on this initiative.
UKCPF 2023 Coordinators
Having pursued a successful career as a commercial barrister for 15 years, and having worked in London, the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong, Emily Gillett took a career break in 2021 to diversify beyond the law. Spanning the protests of 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak and the introduction of the National Security Law, Emily’s time in Hong Kong helped to deepen her interest in geopolitics, international relations and diplomacy. Consequently, Emily's career break brought her to Oxford, where she is currently pursuing the MSt in Diplomatic Studies. In addition to her broad interest in contemporary China, Emily has a keen interest in the governance of AI. Her Master's dissertation will address British foreign policy, AI regulation and economic diplomacy.
Artie Lam is a Rhodes scholar from Hong Kong, currently pursuing an MSc in Migration Studies at Green Templeton College, University of Oxford. He holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (Oxon) and was previously an intern at the China Research Group, an independent think tank on UK's China policy in Westminster. He is interested in issues surrounding UK's ability to understand and engage with the PRC and the PRC's activities to engage with Chinese diasporas in Western democracies. His current research is focused on the activism of Hong Kong immigrants in the UK and its relation to the 2019 movement in Hong Kong. Apart from China policy, he is also enthusiastic about education and has led student initiatives to improve educational equality in Hong Kong.