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Keir Starmer sought to clarify his Labor administration’s approach towards the Asian nation, saying Britain would take a more pro-trade approach towards China but would not trade its national security for greater trade relations.
In his annual speech on foreign policy, Starmer said that the way Britain deals with China would have greater consequences for Britons than any other global change, vowing to make it a central feature of his foreign policy. He said Britain needs a China policy that recognizes the reality that the Asian nation is “a decisive force in technology, trade and global governance” as well as a threat to national security.
“It is not a question of balancing economic and security considerations,” Starmer said in a speech in London. “We don’t trade security in one region for a little more economic access elsewhere. Protecting our security is non-negotiable – our first duty. But by taking tough measures to keep us safe, we enable ourselves to cooperate in other regions.”
Starmer is trying to draw a line under a turbulent period for UK-China relations ahead of a decision on a new London embassy for the Asian nation and a possible visit to the country next year. He said he consistently rejected the “binary preferences” of Tory administrations, which first welcomed a golden age in relations “which then turned into an ice age.”
The British prime minister is also seeking to clarify his policy on China after months of confusing messaging about how big a threat the Labor administration views Beijing as.
Starmer said he wanted British businesses to be able to benefit from the opportunities presented by China, particularly in the creative and pharmaceutical industries, including financial and professional services and luxury goods. He said that the investment minister of the government is currently on a tour of the country. Still, he warned that Britain would seek to protect its defence, artificial intelligence and critical infrastructure – industries that need greater protection.
Starmer’s China problem means a ‘huge mess’
The Labor government has sought to reach out to China since coming to power 17 months ago, including visits by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and then Foreign Secretary David Lammy. But there have also been reminders of the perceived threat posed by Beijing, including an October warning from Britain’s Homeland Security Service to politicians that they were being targeted by Chinese spies.
“Our response will neither be driven by fear nor softened by confusion,” Starmer said. “It will be based on strength, clarity and grim realism.”
Britain is due to decide next week on whether China can commit to building the largest diplomatic complex in Europe on the site of the former Royal Mint near the Tower of London. The government has repeatedly delayed making a decision, partly due to cross-party pressure not to move forward, particularly in the wake of the collapse of an espionage case in which two Britons were accused of spying for Beijing.
Starmer says Britain will not be afraid of China’s embassy threats
After initial visits to China by senior UK officials, the pace slowed when Donald Trump, famous for his aggressive approach towards China, re-entered the White House earlier this year. Britain prioritized its relations with the US and the EU as Russia’s war on Ukraine escalated and trade ties were hit. But Britain is again stepping up efforts, with Starmer expected to visit Beijing in the new year.
Starmer, who was relatively inexperienced on foreign policy before entering politics, has taken a leading role within Europe on issues such as Ukraine and has served as a bridge between Trump and the EU. In his speech, he tried to make a patriotic case for internationalism amid criticism that he spends too much time abroad on foreign policy issues rather than domestic concerns as his support at home has declined.
He also outlined his approach to the EU after ties suffered a setback last week following the collapse of talks to join the EU’s arms embargo.
Starmer said Britain was still dealing with the consequences of “absurd promises” that were made when Britain left the European Union almost six years ago. In a criticism of both the left and the right of UK politics, Starmer said that those who proposed leaving the European Convention on Human Rights or NATO to choose between Britain’s allies would set Britain back with their “corrosive, inward-looking attitude”.
He said, “It offers grievance rather than hope. A decadent vision of a small Britain – not Great Britain.” “Moreover, it is a fatal misinterpretation of the moment, ignoring the fundamental challenge posed by a chaotic world – a world that is more dangerous and unstable than at any point for a generation, where international events reach directly into our lifetimes.”
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.
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