• UK PM candidate Rishi Sunak refers China as "the biggest threat" in reply, China condemns his remarks as irresponsible

    International
    UK PM candidate Rishi Sunak refers China as "the biggest threat" in reply, China condemns his remarks as irresponsible

    Former finance minister Rishi Sunak stated that China is the "largest threat" to British and global security this century.


    Digital Desk: China hit back at UK Prime Minister candidate Rishi Sunak on Monday for calling Beijing "the biggest long-term threat to Britain," calling the remarks "irresponsible." 


    China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded to Sunak's statement by saying that remarks about China, including exaggerating the so-called "China threat," cannot solve one's problems.



    Zhao Lijian took his words to twitter he said, "I want to make it clear to certain British politicians that making irresponsible remarks about China, including exaggerating the so-called "China threat," cannot solve one's own problems."


    Earlier on Monday, former UK finance minister Rishi Sunak said that politicians in the UK and across the West have "turned a blind eye to China's nefarious activity" for far too long.


    The Indian-origin leader also stated that he would ban Confucius Institutes in Britain, which the Chinese government funds, and would use spy agencies to assist British businesses in countering Chinese spying.


    Sunak also stated that he would investigate the possibility of prohibiting Chinese acquisitions of key British assets, including strategically sensitive technology firms.


    Sunak and UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss are competing for the Conservative Party leadership to replace Boris Johnson. The latter was forced to resign after a revolt against his scandal-plagued administration.


    Among Conservative Party members who will elect their new leader and Britain's next prime minister, Truss is currently leading the polls. 


    However, Sunak is hopeful that the weeks of hustings and debates would benefit his campaign before the vote's outcome on September 5.


    Also Read: Rishi Sunak, if elected UK Prime Minister, pledges to take a firm stance against China