Rishi says he is ‘concerned’ by China’s behavior and declares ‘Britain is back’

Rishi Sunak, in an exclusive interview with NBC, said China poses a “systemic challenge” to the world order.

The Prime Minister said the “behaviour that we have seen in China recently is worrying” while speaking with Lester Holt during his trip to the US.

This morning the Prime Minister announced a £201 million deal with the US and Australia for nuclear submarines.

He said China acts “more authoritarian at home” and is “more assertive abroad,” adding that it “poses the greatest state threat to our economic interests.”

He added: And it’s a systemic challenge to the world order.”

China has responded to news of the deal by calling it “a blatant act of nuclear proliferation” that undermines peace and stability in the region.

Sunak also commented on the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, saying it was important for a large number of British tech companies.

He said: “I have worked all weekend with our Treasury Secretary, the Chancellor and our Bank of England, our regulators, to find an appropriate solution. We will make an announcement about this shortly.’

“Britain are back,” added Sunak.

When asked how Britain would react if China attempted to seize Taiwan by military force, Sunak declined to give a direct answer.

The prime minister said the international response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine helped deter any country from launching an unprovoked attack.

He told NBC: “I think the best thing we can do to deter hostile action by any state anywhere is to do what we’re doing in Ukraine right now. And here we saw an illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

“And the right thing to do in the circumstances would be to give Ukraine all the support it needs to defend itself.

He added: “I think it’s important right now that we accelerate and intensify our support to Ukraine.”

He said London’s commitment to the AUKUS pact was part of an overall increase in Britain’s defense spending.

He said: “We’re investing more in our armed forces over the next few years, billions of pounds more. We are increasing our defense spending because I believe the world has become more volatile.’

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