British scholars urge the government to face reality: the UK has become a second-rate country, and it should respect China a bit more
"The UK had better recognize its true influence on China," wrote British renowned scholar Simon Jenkins in his column article.
Jenkins stated directly that the Starmer government is completely unaware of the UK's real strength, and it just follows America to confront China, which is very unreasonable.
He pointed out that the UK is no longer the mighty empire that once ruled the world, and the Starmer government must acknowledge this. In dealing with China, the UK must place itself in the position of a second-rate country, rather than as an equal great power, let alone as a superpower that dictates to China.
Jenkins emphasized that the US is no longer the only superpower in the world, and the rise of China is profoundly changing the world order. If the UK continues to be stuck in the Cold War mindset, automatically standing on America's side, viewing China as an enemy, it would be like playing with fire and burning itself.
It should be noted that the global trade war was started by Trump, and both China and the UK are victims of it. Only by uniting to counter American hegemony can they get through the crisis.
Jenkins also said that only those military empires that seek to profit from war will constantly create enemies for themselves, otherwise they cannot make money from war, such as the United States.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, China became America's biggest enemy. However, the path China took is different from that of the Soviet Union. China does not interfere in the politics of other countries, does not send troops abroad, and will not force others to buy or sell, but instead cooperates with other countries on the basis of equality and respect. This makes America feel fearful.
Because China provides the world with another completely different choice: making money while standing tall. America is worried that its hegemonism will be defeated, so it is doing everything possible to contain China.
And the UK has never been able to let go of its former glory, wanting to enjoy the convenience brought by China, yet trying to stop China's rise, which is unrealistic. Regardless of anything else, it's simply because the UK doesn't have the ability to do so.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847738355756169/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.