UK to bolster military spending by US$6 billion, introduce measures to counter China

Name: Talking Post: Kevin Rudd unpacks the risk of war between China and the US with Yonden Lhatoo
Uploaded: 2023-03-12T22:30:24.000Z
Duration: 23 min 20 s
Description: Talking Post: Kevin Rudd unpacks the risk of war between China and the US with Yonden Lhatoo

Spending increase over two years is part of a refreshed integrated review of defence, diplomatic policy to be unveiled on Monday

The announcement comes ahead of Sunak’s planned ‘Aukus’ meeting with his US, Australian counterparts

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Union Jack flags are seen in front of the Elizabeth Tower, known as Big Ben, beside the Houses of Parliament in London in June 2022. Photo: AP

Chad Brayin London

Published: 6:30am, 13 Mar 2023

Britain’s government said it plans to increase its military spending by £5 billion (US$6 billion) over the next two years and introduce new measures to address China’s “increasingly concerning” military, financial and diplomatic activities.

The latest moves will be part of an updated review of the government’s defence and diplomatic strategies, to be unveiled in full on Monday, and follow repeated calls from members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party to label Beijing a strategic threat alongside Russia.

“As the world becomes more volatile and competition between states becomes more intense, the UK must be ready to stand our ground,” Sunak said in a statement on Sunday night. “By investing in our armed forces for the long-term, we will be ready for the challenges of today and of the future.”

The refreshed review comes as Sunak prepares to meet with fellow Aukus alliance members – US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – in San Diego on Monday.

They are expected to unveil a plan to provide American- and British-designed submarines to Australia to counter China’s naval powers in the Pacific as part of three-way security pact known as Aukus.

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Talking Post: Kevin Rudd unpacks the risk of war between China and the US with Yonden Lhatoo

“We have seen all too clearly in the last year how global crises impact us at home, with Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine driving up energy and food prices,” Sunak said. “We will fortify our national defences, from economic security to technology supply chains and intelligence expertise, to ensure we are never again vulnerable to the actions of a hostile power.”