Scottish air link to China 'instrumental' in boosting trade, MSPs say

Holyrood's External Relations Committee held an inquiry into the Scottish government's China plan. It recommended a direct air link, more Mandarin and Cantonese language lessons and strengthening cultural ties, BBC News reports.

But it warned that mentioning China's human rights record during trade talks would be "extremely counterproductive", the new source wrote.

Amnesty International has previously expressed concerns that western governments do not pay enough attention to China's record on capital punishment or its treatment of political prisoners.

Scotland's External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf who last week went to China for diplomatic, cultural and business engagements said Scottish exports to China have almost doubled in the past five years, from £265m to £498m, “which demonstrates the success of our engagement with China in opening up new markets.”

"Notable achievements include securing Geographical Indication of Origin Status in China for Scotch whisky and the award of an export health certificate allowing direct exports of Scottish salmon, which have led to dramatic rises in exports to China."