The UK Transport Secretary met senior Chinese ministers, toured major transport infrastructure and held discussions with businesses involved in transport technology and engineering.
Sharing photographs from the visit on social media, Ms Alexander said the trip focused on “sharing some of the great work we’re doing at home on rail, buses, aviation and maritime, and learning how we can better tackle some of our shared challenges.”
One of the key meetings took place in Beijing with China’s Transport Minister, Liu Wei. Talks focused on cooperation in aviation and maritime transport.
During the visit, Ms Alexander toured Tongzhou Station, which has been described as the largest integrated transport hub in Asia. The complex combines high speed rail, metro services and bus networks, with the Transport Secretary comparing its scale to “a station roughly the size of The O2.”
The delegation also met representatives from autonomous vehicle company DiDi, the China Britain Business Council, engineering firm Rolls-Royce and officials from the British Embassy in Beijing.
Away from official engagements, Ms Alexander visited the Temple of Heaven before cycling through Beijing on Brompton bicycles.
Describing the visit on social media, the Transport Secretary said it had been “a fantastic trip” and thanked those who hosted the delegation.
As Transport Secretary, Ms Alexander is responsible for the UK’s railways, roads, buses, aviation, shipping and wider transport network. The overseas visit forms part of her ministerial role alongside her duties as the MP for South Swindon.
