Despite Starmer’s ‘China threat’ rhetoric, UK seeks tighter Beijing ties
Dispute around new Chinese embassy will be key test of London’s ability to bring bilateral relations out of ‘Ice Age’, according to analysts
Starmer said on Monday that his government would focus on the relationship with China, which would help protect national interests, while recognising the “reality” that China posed “real national security threats” to the United Kingdom.
“Protecting our security is non-negotiable,” Starmer said at a banquet traditionally used to set out foreign policy for the year ahead, calling it “our first duty”.
“But by taking tough steps to keep us secure, we enable ourselves to cooperate in other areas,” he said.
The prime minister’s statement was the latest in a series of assertions about China being a security threat. These statements have received strong pushback from Beijing, which urged London to adopt a more constructive and accurate view of bilateral relations.