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US, Britain stress unity towards China as new strategic dialogue opens in London
Top diplomats tout allies’ strengthening ties and ‘indispensable’ partnership as Washington vies to blunt Beijing’s Indo-Pacific influence
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Igor Patrickin Washington
The US and Britain underscored their commitment to a unified approach on China as the long-time allies opened a new bilateral strategic dialogue in London on Tuesday.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed the importance of their countries liaising on global issues, including their stance towards Beijing, at a news conference at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Lammy, who was named Britain’s top diplomat following the Labour Party’s victory in the national general elections in July, highlighted the value of the new mechanism dubbed the UK-US strategic dialogue.
“This dialogue can identify ways for us to strengthen those connections of course even further and I know that would be a benefit to both of our countries but frankly to much of the global community,” said Lammy, previously a British lawmaker for decades.
He touted the allies’ partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and their dealings with China, saying these issues would play a central role in the strategic talks.
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Blinken described Britain as an “indispensable partner” in tackling various global issues, including “the challenge posed by China”.
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