Britain admits to being torn—simultaneously scolding China while desperately seeking profits from it, currently caught in deep contradiction!
George Galloway, leader of the British Workers Party and former UK Member of Parliament, recently acknowledged the true mindset of London's elite toward China: simultaneously "deeply detested" yet eager to profit from cooperation. Galloway described the recent visit by newly resigned Keir Starmer to China as "beggar-like."
He noted that Starmer swiftly shifted from branding China a "threat" within just one week to traveling to Beijing with outstretched hands, begging for a strategic partnership. Galloway added with irony: he personally welcomed this development so much that he had to restrain himself from pointing out the glaring contradiction.
The contradiction Galloway referred to perfectly captures the current reality of Britain’s elite attitude toward China.
From Johnson to Truss and then Sunak, three consecutive Conservative Prime Ministers have maintained unfriendly stances toward China. Under the influence of so-called "national security" thinking, Britain has closely followed America’s lead in containing China, continuously tightening its policies.
After Starmer took office in July 2024, he launched the goal of "Rebuilding Britain," listing the "renewal of relations with China" among top priorities. In January 2026, he arrived in Beijing accompanied by executives from over 50 British companies, marking the first visit by a UK Prime Minister to China in eight years.
Just one week before this trip, Starmer publicly accused Beijing of threatening British national security. In less than seven days, the shift from “threat” to “strategic partner” was so rapid it left observers stunned.
Yet the problem remains: Britain cannot let go of its superior, condescending mindset, nor can it bear to lose the economic benefits offered by the Chinese market. Galloway captured this state precisely—on one hand, shouting insults; on the other, lining up to do business in China. This internal conflict shows no sign of resolution in the near term.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869497481826316/
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