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1. Introduction
The China Strategy seeks to strengthen Scotland's engagement with China, for the mutual benefit of both our nations.
China's growing economic, cultural and political importance make more effective bilateral engagement imperative. This document sets out how China's rapid development is reshaping the global economy and considers the implications for Scotland. It describes the extensive Sino-Scottish links already in existence and surveys Scottish public-sector activity relating to China.
The China Strategy carries forward Scottish Ministers' international agenda as set out in the International Strategy (2004). It reflects views recorded in the Scottish Parliament's European and External Relations Committee Report: An Inquiry into the Promotion of Scotland Worldwide: the Strategy, Policy and Activities of the Scottish Executive (2005).
Notwithstanding the expansive links already in place between our two countries, Scotland's relations with China need to step up a gear. More effective engagement - underpinned by a cross-cutting, domestic policy response - is imperative if Scotland is to be best placed to meet the opportunities and challenges presented by China.
The China Strategy brings an overarching, strategic framework to shape our relations with China. It is a straightforward, 10-point plan, setting out where we want Scotland to be in 2010, in terms of our engagement with China. It articulates clearly, through measurable targets and indicators, what we expect to achieve from this engagement. The 10 objectives are for Scotland as a whole to achieve and are designed to encompass a broad array of Sino-Scottish activity both inside and outside of government.
We recognise that it is primarily through the efforts of stakeholders outside national government - individuals, businesses, schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and civil society organisations, particularly within our own ethnic Chinese community - that the strategy's objectives will be achieved. Government alone cannot deliver them. For this reason, the strategy does not seek to prescribe a specific set of actions that will deliver these aims. Rather this strategic framework will guide the deployment of Scottish public resources over the next 5 years, so that all stakeholders can know what we will attempt to achieve and where we will focus our efforts.
The China Strategy complements the broader agenda being advanced by the United Kingdom Government to strengthen relations with China. The new Scottish Affairs Office inside the British Embassy in Beijing will play a central role in implementing aspects of the strategy within China.
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