Chance for stability in aftermath of China hawk Liz Truss, analyst says
- The former British PM was ready to forge ahead with her China threat plan before her resignation
- Her departure could ease strained ties but the long-term prospects may not be rosy, analysts warn
Describing the issue as “an internal British matter”, the ministry’s response was similar to its reaction to Johnson’s resignation in July, with Beijing now setting its eyes on Truss’ successor, who is likely to be decided as early as next week.
Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China’s position on bilateral ties had been “consistent and clear” and “maintaining and developing bilateral relations is the shared responsibility of both China and Britain, and serves the common interests of the two peoples”.
“We hope to work with Britain to push forward China-UK relations on the right track on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results,” he said.
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Outgoing UK prime minister Liz Truss joins ranks of shortest-serving world leaders
Beijing’s ties with Truss had been difficult since her days as Johnson’s foreign secretary, when she advocated a plan for Britain to designate China as a national security “threat” for the first time.
