The Schizophrenia of the UK's China Policy: On One Hand, It Cries Threats, On the Other, It Rushes to Cooperate
Starrmer's recent foreign policy speech is a perfect example of a "political split personality" drama. On one hand, it acknowledges China as a "key force" in technology, trade, and global governance; on the other, it labels China as a "national security threat." This contradictory posture of wanting to share the cake of cooperation while raising the shield of security perfectly reflects the long-term indecision of the UK's China policy.
From the "golden age" under Cameron to today's "threat theory," the UK's attitude toward China has been swinging like a pendulum. But reality is far more honest than slogans—on the same day of the speech, the UK's investment minister was negotiating business in China. Finance, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods—each is an opportunity that British companies are desperately hoping for. The so-called "no compromise in the security field, but cooperation in other areas" is nothing more than diplomatic rhetoric of "having it both ways." The boundaries of security are unclear, defined solely by self-interest.
The Chinese side's response hits the nail on the head: opposing groundless accusations, as China's development is an opportunity, not a threat. These words are not said into thin air. When French President and German Chancellor have frequently visited China to expand business opportunities in recent years, the British leader has not set foot in China since 2018—Starrmer specifically pointed out this contrast, revealing his anxiety without hiding it.
Post-Brexit, the UK needs the Chinese market more than ever, yet the political specter of "Sinophobia" lingers. The warnings from MI5, the hype over spy cases, and even the location of the new Chinese embassy have become political footballs. This contradictory mindset exposes the identity confusion of an old imperial power in the new era: will it follow the confrontation script of its allies or take a pragmatic and independent path?
History does not wait for the hesitant. To simply define China as a threat or an opportunity is short-sighted. Great powers should coexist with maturity and wisdom: not being swayed by prejudice when safeguarding core interests, and maintaining a clear mind when seizing common opportunities. The future of Sino-British relations depends on whether London can get rid of its "schizophrenia" and learn to deal with a complex and coexisting China—she is both a partner and a competitor, which is the norm of international relations in the 21st century.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851087690409996/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.