Committee publication · Correspondence · 31 July 2025
Correspondence from the Foreign Secretary following up on the oral evidence session on Tuesday 8 July 2025, dated 28.07.2025
From: Foreign Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Summary
Foreign Secretary David Lammy follows up on commitments made during oral evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 8 July 2025. He addresses two substantive areas: China capability within government, detailing training delivered to over 1,000 civil servants and plans to create a dedicated China pathway in the FCDO Fast Stream, and the China Audit, offering further discussion with the committee.
Key findings
- FCDO trained over 1,000 civil servants from 35 departments in China-related skills in the past year, with over 1,200 receiving Mandarin training at various levels
- Over 50 civil servants have achieved advanced C1 Mandarin qualification in the past five years; total fluent speakers is higher but difficult to verify
- Plans underway to create a dedicated China pathway within FCDO Fast Stream programmes and increase China-related content across wider Civil Service Fast Streams
- First cohort of China pathway Fast Stream intake planned for 2026
- Foreign Secretary offering to provide greater detail on the China Audit to support the committee's scrutiny role
Tone
ProceduralTopics
foreign-affairschina-relationscivil-service-capabilitygovernment-training
Key actors
David Lammy, Emily Thornberry, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UK Government Civil Service
Notable line
“I am committed to ensuring our diplomats and civil servants have the expertise to engage and adapt to the increasing challenge posed by China …”
Key Quotes
“I am committed to ensuring our diplomats and civil servants have the expertise to engage and adapt to the increasing challenge posed by China, and China's growing role in world affairs.”
“Last year, the FCDO trained over 1,000 civil servants from 35 departments and arms length bodies in China-related skills and knowledge, of which over 1.20 received training in Mandarin at all levels of ability.”
“My officials are finalising plans to enhance the talent pipeline of China experts by creating a China pathway within the FCDO Fast Stream programmes and increasing China related content in wider Civil Service Fast Streams.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗