“The best way to deal with China is through understanding and engagement — while strengthening ourselves.
After a decade of rising anxieties about China — as a competitor, challenger, and partner — western nations continue to fall short in developing China capabilities at a scale commensurate with the opportunities and risks before them.
The UK National Committee on China (UKNCC) is the leading initiative addressing this systemic gap. Our approach is grounded in education and dialogue.
Those who reject the need to learn and engage are choosing ignorance, and with it, sowing the seeds of both domestic failure and international conflict.”
Oliver Shiell, Co-Founder and Chief Executive
Former Cabinet Minister under PM Thatcher and Major; Secretary of State for Scotland; Defence Secretary; Foreign Secretary.
Entrepreneurial investor, board advisor. Founder of Shared Planet Capital and SILK Ventures, a China cross-border investment platform.
Businessman and philanthropist. Former Chairman, Lloyds TSB Bank. Chairman of charitable organisations.
Over 40 years of experience in investment, development and advisory roles. Chairman Wilton Capital Advisers.
Former CEO of UK Trade and Investment at the UK Government. Former Chair of the Audit and Risk Committees Huawei Technologies (UK).
Strategy Advisor & VC. Co-founder of CS Cyber Ventures. Chairman, National Advisory Board for Performing Arts.
Entrepreneur, extensive experience building British business in China. Chairman, British Chambers of Commerce South China. CFO C2W Group.
Chairman, Great-Britain China Centre (GBCC) 2015-2025, former CEO, British Council. Rich experience in diplomacy and UK-China relations.
Chong Hua Prof. of Chinese Development and Co-Director, Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge.
Former Global China Editor at the FT. Author ‘Global Tech Wars: China’s Race to Dominate’ and ‘China Shakes the World’.
Director, PingPong Payments. Non-Exec. Chair, Serica. Northern Powerhouse Champion, DBT.
Founding Director of the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall. Entrepreneur, visionary optimist.
Ollie has over 20 years' working experience on China. Previous roles include China Ambassador, Ditchley Foundation, Chief Representative, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (Europe), and Director of Development and Corporate Relations at Saïd Business School University of Oxford. Working at the c-suite level he has advised many companies and universities on their China strategies and capabilities needs and has delivered training for the UK Cabinet Office and private clients. Board experience includes London Symphony Orchestra, Social Bite, and China-Britain Business Council.
Winnie is a Director of UKNCC and academic in Chinese International Political Economy at the University of Bristol. Research interests include Chinese economic and development policy and the impact that both domestic and international factors play in its decision-making process; Taiwan-China relations and Greater China Economic regionalisation; China’s Nuclear and Energy Strategy; China’s Economic Security; and China’s tech strategies. Winnie has served as a Parliamentary Academic Fellow in the House of Commons Library (International Affairs and Defence Section).
Glen is a leading authority in higher education with expertise in research strategy, policy, and international partnerships. He previously served as Deputy Director for UK Research and Innovation China within the British Embassy in Beijing, and as Director of Research at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Glen has a strong track record of supporting academics and university leaders to develop high-value collaborations and implement ambitious research strategies. After many years in China, he returned to the UK in 2023.
With over fifteen years’ experience in China market analysis, business development, and strategic planning, Alex specialises in delivering in-depth research and actionable insights on China’s evolving landscape. His expertise spans open-source research, Chinese social media trends, and multinational business strategy, helping clients navigate complex market dynamics. Alex has worked with international firms and government bodies. He was recognised in 2026 for his expertise in social media by the Chongqing government.
Our flexible model is built on a curated network of c.80 subject specialists across key domains, including security, foreign policy, political economy, and legal and regulatory compliance. This structure enables UKNCC to draw upon a broad and deep knowledge base without the cost and rigidity of a fixed team, while maintaining rigorous standards and independence. It is this combination of world-class academic expertise and real-world practical experience that distinguishes UKNCC from its competitors.
Over the years many people of different nationalities have given their time and expertise to support our mission. UKNCC is grateful to all for their support and contributions. As part of our commitment to transparency those who have supported are listed here.
Wendy Alexander – Emily Austin-Howell – Anna de Beer – Betty Brenman – Max Browning – Deiniol Brown – Andrew Cainey – Georgina Crawley – Charlie Du Cane – Eve Caplowe – Kate Edwards – Mark Field – Michaela Grace – Wenjing Gu – Fynn Haagen – Stefan Harvey – Callum Harri – Christian Hayward – Brent Hoberman – Paul Jefferiss – Alice Johnson – Elsa Katz – Jonah Kaplan – Wenxin Li – Mark Loggin – Theo North-Conar – Tom Perry – Carol Potter – James Marmol – Thomas Pattenden – David Percival – Megan Prangley – Harry Rosendale – Marcos Sabio – Reema Sandhu – Rahul Sinha – Jessica Shao – Ellie Shiell – Frank Slevin – Ioana Turcan – Chengkai Xie – Muyi Yang – Gerry Yeung OBE DL – Ting Zhang.