Rishi Sunak said that the “golden era” in London’s relations with Beijing, as bilateral cooperation was characterized by the Conservative government in 2015, is now over.
By Thanasis Gavou
China and the security challenges it poses to Britain and the West were at the center of the British Prime Minister’s customary foreign policy address at the annual Lord Mayor’s Dinner in the City of London on Monday night.
Rishi Sunak said that the “golden era” in London’s relations with Beijing, as bilateral cooperation was characterized by the Conservative government in 2015, is now over.
Mr. Sunak criticized her China for the non-respect of human rights in its territory and for the threat it poses to Western values ​​and interests. However, in an aversion that has drawn criticism from hawks in his party who are calling for a tougher stance on Beijing, he noted that Britain cannot simply ignore China’s importance in international affairs.
“We need to evolve our approach to China. Let’s be clear – the so-called ‘golden age’ is over, along with the naive idea that trade would lead to social and political reform. But neither should we rely on simplistic Cold War rhetoric,” the British leader said.
He went on to say “we recognize that China poses a systemic challenge to our values ​​and interests, a challenge that is becoming increasingly acute as it moves toward even greater totalitarianism.” But he added that the UK “simply cannot ignore the importance of China in international affairs, global stability or issues such as climate change”.
He added that the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and many other countries “understand this as well” and that these countries together “can manage the intensifying competition, including through diplomacy and dialogue”.
He concluded that this approach requires a “dramatic” improvement in Britain’s resilience and above all its economic security.
He made reference to the rare popular protests in China against the strategy against COVID-19, commenting that instead of listening to the citizens, the Chinese government has “opted for further repression”. He also referred to the beating and arrest of a BBC journalist by the authorities in Shanghai.
He also said steps had been taken in Britain to curb Chinese influence.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
