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.