The Commons Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) supports a possibly risky shift toward firmer language towards the economic and military powerhouse, but argues that it must be accompanied by action rather than “empty rhetoric.”
MPs have stated that China poses a “serious threat” to the United Kingdom and that the government should reduce its reliance on the superpower to respond to Beijing’s aggressiveness or excesses.
The Commons Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC), while approving a possibly risky turn to firmer language towards the economic and military powerhouse, cautioned that it must be backed up by action rather than “empty words.”
Britain would be more effective as a “global player” if it were more resistant to China’s “weaponization” of supply networks.
However, the committee recognized that, for the foreseeable future, China will continue to be both a competitor and a vital partner for the United Kingdom, not only economically but also in terms of collaboration on issues such as climate change and trade.
MPs on the FAC stated that while revising the integrated review of defense and foreign policy, this approach’s viability must be taken into account.
The report stated, “The long-term objective must be to build more resilience and economic diversification so that the United Kingdom has the choice to select its actions in reaction to any aggression or violations of human rights by the People’s Republic of China.”
If we are resistant to the PRC’s weaponization of supply chains, we will be more effective as global participants on the international scene.
In addition to its record of human rights abuses, the Chinese government poses several challenges, including the theft of intellectual property and the intimidation of British individuals, which the committee cited as one of the dangers of adopting a stronger posture against Beijing.
The authoritarian leadership has been criticized for its repression of Hong Kong democracy demonstrators, its confrontational stance toward Taiwan, and its persecution of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities.
Recently, the Chinese government “removed” a consul general and five personnel involved in an altercation with a Hong Kong protester at its Manchester consulate.
The study stated, “The government must be more forceful and unequivocal in identifying the United Kingdom’s security objectives about China.
The primary responsibility of the state is to ensure the safety of its citizens.
China poses a huge challenge to the United Kingdom on multiple fronts.
A government spokesman stated, “We recognize that China poses a systemic threat to our principles and interests; but, as the FAC report acknowledges, we cannot dismiss China’s importance in international affairs.”
“We are transforming our approach to China into one of forceful pragmatism, which our allies and partners recognize and appreciate.
“We will continue to speak up in defense of human rights, and together with our allies and partners, we will manage this intensifying competition by enhancing our resiliency, in particular our economic security.”
