LONDON – Liz Truss will use her first major speech since leaving office to urge democracies to team up and counter China’s influence, as she warns that “the free world is at risk.”
Speaking at a summit in Tokyo on Friday, the former British prime minister – who left office after just 49 days in the job – made six proposals, including establishing “an economic NATO” to protect member states against pressure from autocratic regimes. Will present
The former prime minister’s speech will be seen as the pressure piled on the UK government to toughen its China stance as it gives final touches to a refresh of its defense and security strategy, known as the Integrated Review Which will happen at the beginning of next month. ,
An update of the Integrated Review was ordered by Truss during his short time in Downing Street with the intention of classifying China as a “threat”.
Rishi Sunak, who took over from him at No. 10, have indicated He would not use such language, instead referring to the country as “a systemic challenge”.
It puts him on a collision course with China in his Conservative Party, and he also faces calls to boost defense spending when his government unveils its budget next month.
Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Symposium, Truss will recommend an audit of China’s access to critical industries; deeper economic ties with Taiwan, including potential trade agreements; upgrade of Taiwan’s diplomatic status; and a strong Pacific Defense Alliance.
The truce will urge the G7 group of major economies to agree on a package of sanctions to be imposed on Beijing in the face of escalating military tensions around Taiwan.
The speech – extracts of which were released in advance by his team – was Truss’ first overseas public engagement since his turbulent tenure at Number 10, with other speakers including fellow former prime ministers Scott Morrison and Guy Verhofstadt.
They are expected to highlight “a shared belief in independence, self-determination and democracy” and the need to formulate “a strong response to the strategic issues posed by the People’s Republic of China”.
Truss will explicitly denounce the so-called “golden age” of UK-China relations under her old boss, David Cameron, saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the UK during that time “sent the wrong message.”
On the contrary, she would say, “We should make every effort to strengthen our ties with Taiwan.”
Intervention underscores Truce’s ambition continue speaking on foreign policy Despite having left No. 10 only four months earlier, as allies lost confidence in his administration amid market turmoil.
Truss re-launched himself on the UK domestic political scene last week, arguing that he faced “systemic resistance” to his plans as prime minister, and through a controversial program of tax cuts did not receive the “necessary level of political support” from the see.
Eleni Kouria contributed reporting.