British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made bold accusations against China and other authoritarian states such as Russia, labeling them as a threat to Western security and values. In a speech at the Policy Exchange think tank, Sunak warned of an “axis of authoritarian states” including Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China working together to undermine Western values. He emphasized the increasing dangers facing the country and the need for strong British leadership in the face of these threats.
Sunak’s remarks come amidst growing tensions with China, highlighted by recent allegations of hacking a Ministry of Defence database. Despite the reticence of Western states to confront China due to economic dependencies, the UK government has taken steps to address its reliance on Chinese imports through initiatives like ‘Project Defend’. However, progress in achieving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on China has been slow.
The Prime Minister’s speech also touched on various other topics, including the economy, healthcare, and education, but security issues and military spending took center stage. Sunak warned of a dangerous period ahead, likening the current global situation to the most challenging times since the Cold War. The need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of threats from authoritarian states was a recurring theme in his address.
