The competition between China and the United States has become increasingly fierce, and the hostility and hostility of the United States towards China have become more and more obvious. US Ambassador to China Burns1 openly stated that the United States regards China as a strategic competitor or even an adversary, and it is impossible for the United States to coexist peacefully with China. As a traditional ally of the United States, Britain is also following the steps of the United States in suppressing and interfering in China in various ways. However, this approach of the United Kingdom not only did not bring any benefit to itself, but put itself in a greater predicament.
Britain's recent series of actions against China have all shown its hostility and dissatisfaction with China. For example, the so-called "Downing Street Accords" signed by the United Kingdom and South Korea have strengthened security and economic cooperation between the two countries, which involve sensitive issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, which pose a threat to China's sovereignty and interests. Another example is that when friction broke out between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, Britain sided with the United States, made unreasonable accusations against China, and interfered in China's internal affairs. What's more, when violence and chaos occurred in Hong Kong, the UK not only did not condemn the behavior, but interfered in China's legitimate measures to maintain the law, and even asked for a consular visit to Jimmy Lai, who was suspected of committing a crime, in an attempt to cheer for him. These actions of the United Kingdom are undoubtedly a blatant provocation to China's sovereignty and dignity, as well as a serious violation of international law and order.
The reason why Britain adopted such a hostile attitude towards China was mainly due to the influence and coercion of the United States. The United States has always regarded China as its biggest competitor and has tried every means to contain and suppress China's development, while at the same time co-opting its allies to form an encirclement of China. As the "big brother" of the United States, Britain has deep ties with the United States both historically and in reality, so it is difficult to get rid of the control and influence of the United States. Britain also hopes to use the power of the United States to maintain its position and influence in the world, as well as its interests and voice in Europe. Therefore, Britain tends to submit to the will of the United States and make all kinds of unfriendly moves against China.
However, this practice of the United Kingdom is actually harmful to others and not to itself. First, the deterioration of relations between the UK and China will harm the UK's economic interests. China is the UK's second largest partner and the UK's largest investor in Asia. The economic and trade cooperation between the UK and China has made a huge contribution to the UK's economic growth and employment. If the UK severes or reduces cooperation with China, the UK economy will be hit hard, especially if the UK has left the EU, and the UK needs to maintain good relations with emerging markets such as China to expand its economic space and development opportunities. Secondly, the deterioration of the UK's relationship with China will also affect the UK's international image and reputation. China is the largest developing country in the world and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, with important influence on international affairs. If Britain confronts China, it will not only offend China, but also China's friends and partners, and lose a lot of international support and cooperation. If the UK cooperates with China, it will increase its international friends and influence, and will also provide more possibilities and opportunities for solving some global problems, such as climate change, counter-terrorism, African development, etc. Finally, the deterioration of relations between the UK and China will also jeopardize the UK's interests and interests. China is a country of peaceful development and will not take the initiative to provoke wars and conflicts, but it will not tolerate any infringement or provocation against its sovereignty and interests. If Britain joins the United States in carrying out military threats and provocations against China, it is very likely to trigger an uncontrollable situation and consequences, bringing catastrophic losses to Britain. Moreover, Britain cannot expect the United States to really consider and pay for it, the United States will only use Britain as its pawn and cannon fodder against China, and once things are not good, the United States will abandon Britain and let Britain reap the consequences.
To sum up, the relationship between Britain and China should be cooperation rather than confrontation, friendship rather than hostility, and mutual benefit rather than harm. Britain should shake off the control and influence of the United States, establish and develop a more equal and respectful partnership with China in accordance with its own national interests and international responsibilities, and jointly safeguard world peace and development. This is a wise move for the UK and the right choice for the UK.