China no ‘strategic threat’ claims Rishi as he defies hawks

Rishi sunak has ignored demands from hawkish Tories to designate China as a strategic threat to the UK.

in a key policy document, the Prime Minister instead pledged the UK would engage with Beijing and ‘leave room for open, constructive and predictable relations’.

The integrated Review Refresh 2023 provided an opportunity for Britain to condemn China’s threats to the international order in the strongest terms.

The report recognised the fragmentation of the ‘global economic and trade order’ and stated China wants to support authoritarian regimes around the world.

in light of this agenda some backbenchers, such as sir iain Duncan smith, were hoping China would be designated a ‘strategic threat’. But Mr sunak adopted a softer approach.

The language used to describe China was essentially the same as what was used in the 2021 version of the same document, to avoid further inflaming fraught relations with Beijing. The refresh also outlined practical measures the UK would take to deepen strategic partnerships in the indo-Pacific region and increase British influence.

Last night Mr sunak said it was possible China could deviate from its authoritarian course: ‘We don’t believe it’s on a predetermined course and that’s why...engagement is sensible and responsible. But we can’t be blind or naive to the challenge it poses.’