UK's China Policy Is Based on Magical Thinking
Labour’s economic engagement policy is mired in misconceptions about the nature of the Communist system.
The UK’s China policy needs better calibration between its economic and security interests.
Photograph: Bloomberg
Britain’s Labour government is rushing headlong to deepen the country’s economic relationship with China, undeterred by President Donald Trump’s efforts to strongarm partners into isolating the US’s geopolitical rival. It would be easier to have confidence in the path the UK is charting if its leaders didn’t keep demonstrating how badly they misunderstand the system they’re dealing with.
Labour’s rapprochement camp is led by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who said last week that it would be “very foolish” for Britain to disengage from China. In an interview with the Telegraph, Reeves welcomed the prospect of a London listing by Shein, the fast-fashion retailer rejected by the New York Stock Exchange amid governance concerns, and said she would be happy to ride in Chinese-made electric vehicles, which the Biden administration deemed a national security threat and sought to shut out of US markets.