Rishi Sunak says China poses ‘biggest challenge’ to global security
The Prime Minister described China as “increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad” after G7 talks dominated by Ukraine.
Sunday 21 May 2023 10:10, UK
Listen to this article
0:00 / 3:03
1X
BeyondWords
Audio created using AI assistance
preview image2:33
Play Video – China is ‘biggest challenge on security’
‘China is ‘biggest challenge on security’
Why you can trust Sky News
China poses the biggest challenge in the world to global security and prosperity , Rishi Sunak has said at the end of a G7 summit.
The Prime Minister said China was the “only country with both the means and intent to reshape the world order”.
But he added that Britain and other G7 countries would pursue a common approach to reduce the challenges, rather than “de-coupling”.
Mr Sunak was speaking to reporters at the end of a summit of the Group of Seven nations held in Japan and largely dominated by Ukraine.
“China poses the biggest challenge of our age to global security and prosperity, they are increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad,” he said.
“This is all about de-risking, not de-coupling.”
Rishi Sunak at the end of the G7 in Japan
When asked to clarify the phrase, he added: “We will work together as the G7 and other countries make sure that we can de-risk ourselves and the vulnerability of supply chains that we have seen from China, take the steps necessary to protect ourselves against hostile investment and do so in a way that doesn’t damage each other.”
MORE ON CHINA
For the first time since zero-COVID restrictions were dropped, Sky News has been inside China's Xinjiang region – reporting on the ground from former detention camps
Abandoned camps hint at a far darker next chapter for China’s Uyghur people
Uighur men wait for the beginning of Friday prayers as another arrives to Altyn Mosque in Yarkand, in the region of Xinjiang April 4, 2008. China is on guard against unrest in the region, home to its ethnic Uighur minority, a Muslim Central Asian people, following a demonstration in the Xinjiang town of Hetian and after widespread protests in Tibet. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA)
What is happening to the Uyghurs in China?
Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss makes a speech at an event in Taipei, Taiwan May 17, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang
Rishi Sunak rejects calls from Liz Truss to fast-track Taiwan’s entry to CPTPP
Related Topics:
China
Joe Biden
Rishi Sunak
Russia
Ukraine
On Saturday, China was also urged to put pressure on Russia to end its war on Ukraine.
In a joint statement, the G7 leaders emphasised they did not want to harm China and were seeking “constructive and stable relations” with Beijing.
“We call on China to press Russia to stop its military aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine,” said the statement.
What else happened during the G7 summit?
The three-day gathering saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy huddled with some of his biggest backers at the meeting, hoping to add momentum to his country’s war effort against Russia.
Read more from Sky News:
What is the F16 fighter jet and why does Ukraine want it?
‘There is nothing’ left in Bakhmut, Zelenskyy says after Russia claims control of city
Mr Zelenskyy held two rounds of meetings on Sunday, one with G7 leaders and a second with the group and a host of invited guests, including India, South Korea and Brazil.
President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Hiroshima, Japan, on Sunday. Pic: AP
Image:
President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Hiroshima, Japan, on Sunday. Pic: AP
The Ukrainian president also held one-to-one talks with US President Joe Biden, who during the summit paved the way for Western allies to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
The US president also announced a $375m package of military aid to Ukraine, including artillery and armoured vehicles – and told Mr Zelenskyy the US was doing all it could to strengthen his country’s defence against Russia.
“We have Ukraine’s back and we’re not going anywhere,” Mr Biden said.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan0:31
Play Video – US Security briefing on F-16s to Ukraine
US Security briefing on F-16s to Ukraine
Other leaders also echoed that sentiment of solidarity with Kyiv, ensuring their support for as long as needed.
Mr Sunak added: “We will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes because their security is our security.
“We have made a real breakthrough at this summit, thanks to President Biden’s support for an international coalition to provide F-16 jets.
“Any peace settlement must be on Ukraine’s terms.”
Mr Sunak said training for pilots to successfully fly F-16s will begin this summer.
Related Topics
China
Joe Biden
Rishi Sunak
Russia
Ukraine
