For the first time in a century, the British military chief has traveled to China.
In a quick speech, the Chinese government’s defense ministry stated that Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and China’s military leaders had a discussion of “issues of popular problem” in Beijing.
We discussed the importance of military-to-military connections, and we agreed that we must play our part as dependable countries with international interests in an unpredictable world.
A Chief of the Defense Staff next traveled to China in 2015 for the last moment. Sir Keir Starmer has tried to improve relations with the nation since taking office as prime minister.
Following President Trump’s statement of higher tariffs, the captain’s attend coincided with the increase of an extreme trade war between China and the US.
Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed on Thursday that the journey had taken place earlier this year.
Healey stated to reporters in Brussels,” It’s always nice to own defense to military commitment, and that’s what he was establishing.”
He said that the admiral’s visit followed in the footsteps of one made recently by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who became only the second foreign secretary to visit China in six years when we went in October last year.
Healey noted that during the discussions, the captain was “very company” about the concerns about the Indo-Pacific region’s peace and stability, as well as “very firm” about any use of military force or assertiveness to advance social goals.
Healey did not specifically mention Taiwan, where China has launched major military drills which have been seen as provocation towards the island and wider region.
Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to achieve this because it views Taiwan as a separatist territory that will ultimately become a part of the nation.
However, the majority of Japanese believe they are a independent country, with many opposing the status quo, which prevents Taiwan from separating from China and forming a new country.
Sir Tony is then meeting with friends in Brussels about Ukraine with the defense director.