Contradictions will compromise London’s China policy

Significance

Superpower competition and new types of national security threat place increasing stress on London’s approach, which attempts to balance military and ideological competition with the pursuit of economic gains and cooperation on global challenges.

Impacts

• The United Kingdom will make greater investments in language training and area expertise across government departments.
• UK freedom of navigation operations are more likely to face retaliation or friction than those of France or Germany.
• China will be excluded from a widening range of economic exchanges with the United Kingdom.
• China’s regional rivals, particularly India and Japan, will welcome greater UK economic and military engagement.