China and Russia pose deadly threat to UK and NATO - Defense Ministry
George Robertson (Getty Images)
China poses a "deadly" threat to Britain and NATO as a whole, according to the head of the UK's strategic defense review, George Robertson.
"We’re confronted by a deadly quartet of nations increasingly working together," he said.
According to him, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are deadly threats to the United Kingdom.
Robertson's statements are significant, as the review he leads will set the course for the defense policy of the new Labour government. According to the UK Ministry of Defense, the document will be published at the beginning of 2025, presenting an action plan to achieve Prime Minister Keir Starmer's goal of allocating 2.5% of GDP to defense.
Robertson, who led NATO from 1999 to 2003 and previously served as Defense Minister under Tony Blair, will oversee the new government's defense review along with former US presidential advisor and Russia expert Fiona Hill, and Richard Barrons, former commander of the UK's Joint Forces Command, its strategic command center.
The defense has become the first test for Starmer as Prime Minister, as he seeks to establish himself on the world stage as a strong progressive leader in the face of a surge in populism in Europe and the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, while also contending with members of his own ruling Labour Party who want state spending directed towards addressing other domestic issues such as social welfare.
In April, former UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps expressed concern over the malicious activities of Russian spies in the country. His statement came amid a legal case in the UK against a 20-year-old man suspected of working for Russian intelligence.
In March, Western media reported on the UK's intention to tighten restrictions on Chinese citizens due to the threat of espionage.
