Rising tensions between China and Taiwan could plunge the world into war, warns James Cleverly
- The foreign minister will urge Beijing to enter into “peaceful coexistence” with Taiwan
- However, he will recognize that China’s threat to the island is a challenge to the West
Britain will warn China that its massive military buildup against Taiwan risks triggering a “tragic miscalculation” that could plunge the world into war.
In a speech tomorrow night, Secretary of State James Cleverly will urge Beijing to change course and pursue a policy of “peaceful coexistence” with the breakaway island it has long claimed as its own.
Mr Cleverly is taking on the Chinese hawks in his own party and will warn against attempts to ‘isolate’ Beijing, saying a new Cold War would be a ‘betrayal’ of Britain’s national interest.
But he will acknowledge that China’s increasingly assertive behavior poses a challenge to the West — and will accuse the communist superpower of overseeing “the largest military build-up in peacetime history” that threatens Taiwan.
In a speech tomorrow night, Secretary of State James Cleverly (pictured in March) will urge Beijing to change course
Pictured: The Arleigh Burke-class USS Milius with guided missiles on the Taiwan straight
China has rapidly increased military spending in recent years and has been accused of building an invasion force. Earlier this month it declared “ready to fight” after conducting a major military exercise simulating the closure of the island.
Some senior Washington figures fear China’s communist leadership could order an invasion as early as 2027, despite warnings from Joe Biden that the US is ready to defend its ally.
Speaking at the Mansion House tonight, Mr. Cleverly will say, “At this time, China is conducting the largest military buildup in peacetime history.
The UK and our allies are prepared to be open about our presence in the Indo-Pacific.
“I urge China to be equally open about the doctrine and intentions behind its military expansion, as transparency is certainly in everyone’s best interest and secrecy can only increase the risk of tragic miscalculation.”
Mr Cleverly will remind China that it has signed the UN Charter that protects any country from invasion, adding: ‘We do not expect our differences with China to be overcome quickly, but we do expect China to comply with laws and obligations who has freely accepted it.”
His comments will be seen as a rebuke to French President Emmanuel Macron, who returned from a red carpet trip to Beijing to warn Europe to stay out of the US-China spat over Taiwan’s future.
Mr Cleverly will stop repeating Liz Truss’ call for the UK to arm Taiwan. And he will not describe China as a direct ‘threat’ to the UK.
He will also advocate a “multifaceted” approach, warning that Britain cannot afford to “pull down the shutters” on a country with the world’s second-largest economy.