Advertisement
China-UK relations
China

Will Liz Truss live up to hawkish language on China if she becomes Britain’s next prime minister?

  • The foreign secretary has frequently criticised Beijing and is reportedly considering labelling the country a ‘threat’ to national security
  • Analysts believe the front runner to succeed Boris Johnson is likely to draw a clear line under the ‘golden era’ of cooperation and investment

Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
99+
Liz Truss, the front runner to be Britain’s next prime minister, has talked tough on China. Photo: AP
Chad Brayin London
Liz Truss, the front runner to become Britain’s next prime minister, has signalled she will take a tougher stance towards China amid hardening public sentiment towards Beijing and a growing UK presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Allies of Truss, who is seen as one of the most hawkish members of Boris Johnson’s cabinet, have told The Times she would classify China as “a threat” to national security – the same status as Russia – and reopen an integrated review of defence and diplomatic strategy.
China, which was labelled a “systemic competitor” in the March 2021 review, has dismissed the suggestion as “irresponsible talk”.

“In ordinary circumstances, I’d say the new PM would ultimately pursue a more realistic and balanced approach to foreign affairs once in office, but the UK’s reputation for pragmatic diplomacy has taken a battering in recent years,” said Jonathan Sullivan, director of China programmes at Nottingham University’s Asia Research Institute.

“Labelling a major trade partner a threat would be a remarkable development, but the fact that it is not totally inconceivable speaks to the uncertainties that exist around Truss and the negative momentum that has built up around UK-China relations.”

03:45

Boris Johnson’s rise to power and what led to his downfall as UK prime minister

Boris Johnson’s rise to power and what led to his downfall as UK prime minister

The ruling Conservative Party is expected to announce the winner of its leadership contest on Monday, with the most recent polls indicating Truss has a sizeable – and likely insurmountable – lead over Rishi Sunak, the former chancellor of the exchequer who quit in July.

Advertisement