UK-China Transparency (UKCT) was founded in 2023 on the premise that the public deserve more and better information about ties between the UK and China, and that transparency should be a key pillar of our engagement with the country.
The UK and China have a wide-ranging relationship in trade, industry, education, and politics. Connections have grown steadily deeper in the last twenty years, especially since the governments of both countries heralded a ‘golden era’ of relations in 2015. They continue to deepen after the age of lockdown and despite securitisation of the relationship by both governments, especially the authoritarian Chinese Communist Party.
UKCT aims to fill a vital gap in knowledge about ties between Chinese and British educational and research institutions, companies, NGOs, political groups and government bodies.
- We conduct research on key case studies
- We curate a unique library of primary sources
- We run public events and outreach initiatives
- We offer bespoke educational programmes
- We champion freedom of information
- We provide clarity on UK-China relation
Our Impact
The research we produce would mean little if it were not read. We work hard to ensure it reaches where it is needed, and is understood in its proper context.
Our work has appeared in the BBC, Times, Guardian, Spectator, Telegraph, Daily Mail, and countless other outlets, and our staff have given interviews on many different radio and television channels. Our network of readers extends to civil servants, business leaders, newsroom editors and university vice-chancellors. Tens of thousands have accessed our work on social media and hundreds have attended our events.
Real impact, however, means changing minds. We know that our research has led to material changes in policy, for example, in the higher education sector where it has informed regulatory changes in how universities must manage relationships with Chinese entities. Through our evolving education programmes, we are deepening our engagement with government and business. To learn more, visit this page.
