We don’t want Cold War with China, says PM
BORIS Johnson has insisted Western Allies do not want a new ColdWar with China.
The Prime Minister said the Communist superpower posed “challenges” for Nato due to its increasing influence on the world stage.
But he said there would be opportunities to engage with the Chinese administration rather than plunge into another era of global tension.
Speaking as he arrived at the Nato summit in Brussels, Mr Johnson said: “I don’t think anybody around the table today wants to descend into a new Cold War with China.
He said “people see challenges…but they also see opportunities”.
Ministers have been alarmed by the increasing muscularity of China’s diplomacy, including a clampdown on human rights in Hong Kong. The alleged genocide of Uighur Muslims and China’s refusal to back the UN’s condemnation of the military coup in Myanmar have also tarnished its reputation.
Mr Johnson was delighted President Joe Biden recommitted the US to the Nato pact.And he urged vigilance against Russia, ahead of Mr Biden’s crucial talks with Vladimir Putin.
The PM said he was “hopeful” of improved relations, but called on Mr Putin to “change the way you behave”.
Mr Johnson was expected to use the meeting to highlight the way the Covid crisis was exacerbated by security threats – including cyber attacks on healthcare systems of Nato members.
He also backed the modernisation programme started by SecretaryGeneral Jens Stoltenberg.
Ahead of the meeting, Mr Stoltenberg said relations with Russia were at the “lowest point” since the end of the ColdWar.
He told Times Radio: “We see attempts to meddle in our political democratic processes, to undermine the trust in our institutions and efforts to divide us.We have to take that very seriously.”
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggested former prime minister Theresa May would be an “excellent” candidate to succeed Mr Stoltenberg next year.