British President Calls for End to Cold War with China, Signals Shift in UK Policy

April 25, 2024, 08:22 (updated: April 25, 2024, 08:27)

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(FicNews) - In a highly-anticipated policy speech delivered at the Mayor's Mansion House in the City of London, British President Jim Kleverly called for an end to the Cold War between the United States and China, leaving the US without its only European ally against China.

Kleverly stated that declaring a new Cold War and isolating China would be a betrayal of Britain's national interest. "It would be wrong for me to declare a new cold war and say our goal is to isolate China," he said. "Because it would be a betrayal of our national interest."

Instead, Kleverly's keynote speech focused on improving relations with China over the coming year, while emphasizing that Britain would not let its guard down. He stressed that no major global problem, including climate change, pandemic protection, economic stability, and nuclear proliferation, could be solved without China's cooperation.

The British President's stance differs from that of the outgoing President of the United States, who had aimed to unite with allies and form an alliance against China but found no willing partner among US allies in this endeavor.

Kleverly's speech signals a shift in Britain's approach to its relationship with Beijing, underscoring the importance of cooperation with China in addressing global challenges. The move could have significant implications for the UK's foreign policy and its relations with other countries, particularly the US.

The speech was well-received by the audience, which included government officials, business leaders, and foreign diplomats. However, some critics have expressed concerns about the potential risks of closer ties with China, including human rights abuses and geopolitical tensions.

As the UK seeks to redefine its place in the world after Brexit, Kleverly's speech marks a significant step in shaping the country's foreign policy and its role in the global order.