UK in China
Beijing 19:47, 16 May 2012
Our embassy
Welcome to the British Embassy in Beijing. We are one of Britain's largest overseas Embassies. Our overall objective is to promote the interests of the United Kingdom and contribute to a strong world community. More specifically, we aim to promote trade and investment between Britain and China, develop strong political, economic, cultural and defence ties, provide a fast and fair visa service, give effective consular protection to British nationals and, through our aid programme, reduce the number of Chinese people living in extreme poverty.
Our operations have expanded as China's opening up has created new opportunities in politics and business. Several hundred people, from Britain, China and other countries, now work at the Embassy. Of the British staff, most are attached to government departments, including the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development, the Department for Trade and Industry, the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence. The British Council also has a major presence in Beijing, operating as the Embassy's cultural and educational section. Our Chinese employees range from accountants and interpreters to trade promoters and education advisers. We work closely with the China-Britain Business Council, the local British Chamber of Commerce and other British organisations in Beijing.
Mission Statement
The British Embassy exists to promote UK interests in China, and build better links between the two countries. It works to build wide-ranging and mutually beneficial relations between our two governments and peoples in the areas of trade and investment, science and technology, education, culture, development, environment and defence. The Embassy also facilitates the legitimate movement of people between the two countries and offers assistance to British citizens in genuine need.
Area of Jurisdiction under British Embassy Beijing:
Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Gansu, Ningxia, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Tibet, Hubei, Qinghai.
Our Ambassador
Sebastian Wood was appointed as Her Majesty's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China in January 2010.
Working for us
Welcome to our careers section where you can find out more about working with us at the British Embassy in Beijing and our Consulates across China.
Greening the FCO
To reduce our environmental impact, the British Embassy Beijing established a voluntary Green Group, now working in collaboration with two part-time Greening and Environmental Support Officers.
