[Text/Observer Network Xiong Chaoyi] According to South China Morning Post reports, the government led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new defense strategy - the "Strategic Defense Review Report" - on June 2 local time. The aim is to make NATO "stronger and more lethal" by strengthening nuclear deterrence, rebuilding ammunition weapon reserves, and investing billions of pounds in developing high-tech combat methods, making it the core of the UK's defense plan.

This new defense strategy report warned that the threats facing the UK are "more serious and unpredictable than at any time since the Cold War," and strongly hyped up the so-called "threats from China and Russia," claiming that both countries are "continuously expanding their nuclear arsenals and developing diversified nuclear weapons." It also slandered the normal exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

The report described China as a so-called "complex and enduring challenge," while claiming that no matter where or against whom the UK may fight in the future, it may encounter Chinese technology, and that the Chinese side might continue to carry out espionage activities and cyber attacks.

In response to such statements, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning once pointed out that China has always adhered to an independent foreign policy of peace, and our development brings opportunities to all countries around the world, not threats or challenges. We hope that the new UK government can view China and Sino-British relations objectively and rationally, holding onto outdated thinking of "China threat" will only harm others and oneself without any way out.

Mao Ning emphasized that the goal of China's development is to enable the Chinese people to live a better life, and China's development will contribute positive energy to world peace and stability. Our development does not target anyone and will not threaten anyone. Resorting to China-related issues to fan the flames of confrontation cannot solve Britain's own problems.

On June 2 local time, Glasgow, UK, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a speech during his visit to BAE Systems' Govan facility. Visual China.

Hype up "Russia-China Threat"

The report claimed that the UK has been subjected to "daily attacks" from various threats ranging from espionage to cyber warfare and information manipulation, damaging society and the economy. The document warned that the U.S.' security focus has shifted from NATO (extending to Europe) to the "Indo-Pacific region" and the U.S. homeland.

The report hyped up that Russia and China are continuously expanding their nuclear arsenals and developing diversified nuclear weapons, and defamed the deepening of strategic cooperation relationships between the two countries. The report also claimed that despite mutual distrust, Russia and China may form a "strategic linkage" with Iran and North Korea.

The report described China as a so-called "complex and enduring challenge," but did not label it as a "threat," continuing the current UK government's positioning of China. However, the report claimed that no matter where or against whom the UK may fight in the future, it may encounter Chinese technology, and that the Chinese side might continue to conduct espionage activities and cyber attacks.

Nuclear Power

The report suggested that the UK should begin discussions with the U.S. and NATO on the potential benefits and feasibility of the UK strengthening its participation in NATO's nuclear mission. The Starmer government aims to achieve this goal by updating existing nuclear deterrent forces, investing 15 billion pounds in its nuclear warhead program, and exploring other methods to prevent enemies from using nuclear weapons - which may include purchasing fighter jets capable of launching nuclear missiles.

This assessment report clearly stated that the UK needs to play a greater role in nuclear deterrence, as the UK is the only European country that uses its nuclear capabilities for NATO defense, whereas France is not doing so. The report hyped up that the U.S. faces two "equally matched" nuclear superpowers, Russia and China, and this "unprecedented challenge" drives the necessity for the UK to strengthen its actions.

Bloomberg reported that due to the "Trident" missile system already occupying much of the UK's defense spending, this new policy may result in massive expenditures. In addition to investment in nuclear warheads, the UK plans to build up to 12 new nuclear submarines.

Army and Navy Reform

The evaluation report recommended that the UK military should have at least 73,000 regular troops, including reserve personnel, increasing to 100,000, and should "modestly increase" the size of the regular force if funds allow, while boosting the active reserve force by 20%. Currently, the size of the UK regular army is at its lowest level since the Napoleonic era.

UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey (John Healey) stated on June 2 local time in the House of Commons that his goal is to increase the number of troops to 76,000 by the end of the next parliament (2034). However, this plan may face criticism of being slow-paced.

The UK government also outlined plans to establish a "hybrid navy," which will expand through investments in autonomous vessels, building submarines under the "AUKUS" cooperation project with the U.S. and Australia. These vessels will primarily patrol the North Atlantic.

Ammunition Reserve Replenishment

The Starmer government plans to invest 1.5 billion pounds in building six munitions factories to create a continuous production line for artillery shells that can be ramped up as needed. This will change the UK's industrial base, creating more manufacturing jobs and increasing arms inventories. Due to decades of underinvestment and continuous aid to Ukraine, the UK's ammunition inventory has been depleted.

In addition, given the critical role of long-range missiles highlighted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the UK will purchase up to 7,000 long-range missiles.

Artificial Intelligence and Drones

The UK will increase investment in cybersecurity and other advanced technologies, establishing a new "Cyber and Electromagnetic Command" to protect military networks from tens of thousands of cyberattacks annually and assist in coordinating the UK's own cyberattack operations. Additionally, the UK will establish a new digital targeting system to enable the military to better locate and eliminate enemy targets.

The UK government stated that it will invest in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), software, land-based drone clusters, as well as traditional weapons like long-range weapons and air defense systems, to enhance the military's lethality tenfold.

In addition, the report warned that the development of "bioengineering" could potentially cause "enormous harm" in the form of novel pathogens and other weapons of mass destruction, but did not specify what measures would be taken to mitigate this harm.

Air Defense System

Although there was no call for an Israeli-style "Iron Dome" defense system to protect the UK from major airstrikes, the report argued that the UK should improve its current air defense capabilities, such as purchasing more E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft. Officials said the current goal is to create systems that can more effectively intercept threats, utilizing existing capabilities rather than large investments in new ones.

Just weeks ago, security experts warned that the UK would be unable to defend against ballistic missile attacks, but officials warned that the "Iron Dome" system would be very expensive. This assessment report urged the UK Ministry of Defence to develop a roadmap for deepening operational compatibility with NATO allies by July 2026 and achieving full integration of digital combat capabilities with traditional armed forces.

Private Investment

The report suggested that the UK should formulate a dedicated strategy for the financial services sector by March next year to encourage venture capitalists and private equity investors to invest more funds in the defense industry. The UK government will also establish a UK Defense Innovation Unit, supported by 400 million pounds, to fund and develop UK defense companies, and set up a new export office to help sell British technology and weapons to its allies.

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Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7511518411323720218/

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