Friday, April 23, 2021
Ghana Today
  • Home
  • News
    A Great Asset For Ghana Football: Ghanatoday.net

    A Great Asset For Ghana Football: Ghanatoday.net

    Breaking News: Sellas Tetteh resigns as head coach of Sierra Leone – Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results: Ghanatoday.net

    Two cases of coronavirus confirmed in Ghana: Ghanatoday.net

    Two cases of coronavirus confirmed in Ghana: Ghanatoday.net

    Govt tightens border checks as coronavirus spreads: Ghanatoday.net

    COVID-19: Ghana confirms two cases: Ghanatoday.net

  • Politics
    Simple criminal investigation made to worsen into dangerous concoction of religion, politics and police administration : The Tribune India

    Simple criminal investigation made to worsen into dangerous concoction of religion, politics and police administration : The Tribune India

    Claiming NDC has no collated results for the 2020 election is pure balderdash – Ayine lashes cadres

    Claiming NDC has no collated results for the 2020 election is pure balderdash – Ayine lashes cadres

    Politics should not detract from climate policy, says Blinken : Energy & Environment

    Politics should not detract from climate policy, says Blinken : Energy & Environment

    You can’t break any 8 when you treat party members like ‘trash’

    Rancor, animosity in MMDCEs selection will destroy party- NPP warned

  • Entertainment
    Pulse Picks: Top 10 entertainment stories that defined 2020 [ARTICLE]

    Pulse Picks: Top 10 entertainment stories that defined 2020 [ARTICLE]

    From Manny Pacquiao to Shirley Temple: Seven celebrities who swapped the entertainment industry for politics

    From Manny Pacquiao to Shirley Temple: Seven celebrities who swapped the entertainment industry for politics

    At CES 2020 Panasonic Demonstrates the Future

    At CES 2020 Panasonic Demonstrates the Future

    Christabel Ekeh pictures, biography, boyfriend ▷ YEN.COM.GH

    Christabel Ekeh pictures, biography, boyfriend ▷ YEN.COM.GH

  • Lifestyle
    RI Council for Humanities Awards Over $150K to 15 Public Projects & Documentary Films

    RI Council for Humanities Awards Over $150K to 15 Public Projects & Documentary Films

    You can’t lead NPP as a Muslim and a Northerner- Alan’s boy roars at Bawumia

    DR. Mahamudu Bawumia Embodies Our Best Shot In 2024 (II)

    Your Eating Pattern Determines Your Health And Lifespan Including Should Women Fast?

    Your Eating Pattern Determines Your Health And Lifespan Including Should Women Fast?

    ‘I never thought the world would see my photographs’

    ‘I never thought the world would see my photographs’

  • Africa

    More than 10 countries in Africa report COVID-19 cases

    The Dance: the South Africans who finish high school against all odds | Global development

    Facebook, Twitter suspend Russia-linked operation targeting African Americans on social media – News – MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

    Facebook, Twitter suspend Russia-linked operation targeting African Americans on social media – News – MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

    The fight for west Africa’s fish

    The fight for west Africa’s fish

  • Business
    26 year old National Service Person in Tamale Medical Stores fraud jailed 26 years-Ghanatoday.net

    26 year old National Service Person in Tamale Medical Stores fraud jailed 26 years-Ghanatoday.net

    Access Bank, ScaleUp Africa host Pan-African Women Conference-Ghanatoday.net

    Access Bank, ScaleUp Africa host Pan-African Women Conference-Ghanatoday.net

    A Look at Why Ghana Is Attracting IT Firms  | Voice of America-Ghanatoday.net

    A Look at Why Ghana Is Attracting IT Firms  | Voice of America-Ghanatoday.net

    Navrongo pilots malaria vaccination – Ghana Business News-Ghanatoday.net

    Malaria vaccine data from pilot project is promising – WHO-Ghanatoday.net

  • Viral News
  • Videos
    TroyBoi – Mother Africa-ghanatoday.net

    TroyBoi – Mother Africa-ghanatoday.net

    The Dancing Pallbearers of Ghana | Behind the Meme-ghanatoday.net

    The Dancing Pallbearers of Ghana | Behind the Meme-ghanatoday.net

    JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 50.70% : "NPP GOT 47.74%"  "GHANA POLITICS 2012" NDC-ghanatoday.net

    JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 50.70% : "NPP GOT 47.74%" "GHANA POLITICS 2012" NDC-ghanatoday.net

    Akan News @ 6pm On Peace 104.3 FM (19/02/2021)-ghanatoday.net

    Akan News @ 6pm On Peace 104.3 FM (19/02/2021)-ghanatoday.net

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    A Great Asset For Ghana Football: Ghanatoday.net

    A Great Asset For Ghana Football: Ghanatoday.net

    Breaking News: Sellas Tetteh resigns as head coach of Sierra Leone – Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results: Ghanatoday.net

    Two cases of coronavirus confirmed in Ghana: Ghanatoday.net

    Two cases of coronavirus confirmed in Ghana: Ghanatoday.net

    Govt tightens border checks as coronavirus spreads: Ghanatoday.net

    COVID-19: Ghana confirms two cases: Ghanatoday.net

  • Politics
    Simple criminal investigation made to worsen into dangerous concoction of religion, politics and police administration : The Tribune India

    Simple criminal investigation made to worsen into dangerous concoction of religion, politics and police administration : The Tribune India

    Claiming NDC has no collated results for the 2020 election is pure balderdash – Ayine lashes cadres

    Claiming NDC has no collated results for the 2020 election is pure balderdash – Ayine lashes cadres

    Politics should not detract from climate policy, says Blinken : Energy & Environment

    Politics should not detract from climate policy, says Blinken : Energy & Environment

    You can’t break any 8 when you treat party members like ‘trash’

    Rancor, animosity in MMDCEs selection will destroy party- NPP warned

  • Entertainment
    Pulse Picks: Top 10 entertainment stories that defined 2020 [ARTICLE]

    Pulse Picks: Top 10 entertainment stories that defined 2020 [ARTICLE]

    From Manny Pacquiao to Shirley Temple: Seven celebrities who swapped the entertainment industry for politics

    From Manny Pacquiao to Shirley Temple: Seven celebrities who swapped the entertainment industry for politics

    At CES 2020 Panasonic Demonstrates the Future

    At CES 2020 Panasonic Demonstrates the Future

    Christabel Ekeh pictures, biography, boyfriend ▷ YEN.COM.GH

    Christabel Ekeh pictures, biography, boyfriend ▷ YEN.COM.GH

  • Lifestyle
    RI Council for Humanities Awards Over $150K to 15 Public Projects & Documentary Films

    RI Council for Humanities Awards Over $150K to 15 Public Projects & Documentary Films

    You can’t lead NPP as a Muslim and a Northerner- Alan’s boy roars at Bawumia

    DR. Mahamudu Bawumia Embodies Our Best Shot In 2024 (II)

    Your Eating Pattern Determines Your Health And Lifespan Including Should Women Fast?

    Your Eating Pattern Determines Your Health And Lifespan Including Should Women Fast?

    ‘I never thought the world would see my photographs’

    ‘I never thought the world would see my photographs’

  • Africa

    More than 10 countries in Africa report COVID-19 cases

    The Dance: the South Africans who finish high school against all odds | Global development

    Facebook, Twitter suspend Russia-linked operation targeting African Americans on social media – News – MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

    Facebook, Twitter suspend Russia-linked operation targeting African Americans on social media – News – MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

    The fight for west Africa’s fish

    The fight for west Africa’s fish

  • Business
    26 year old National Service Person in Tamale Medical Stores fraud jailed 26 years-Ghanatoday.net

    26 year old National Service Person in Tamale Medical Stores fraud jailed 26 years-Ghanatoday.net

    Access Bank, ScaleUp Africa host Pan-African Women Conference-Ghanatoday.net

    Access Bank, ScaleUp Africa host Pan-African Women Conference-Ghanatoday.net

    A Look at Why Ghana Is Attracting IT Firms  | Voice of America-Ghanatoday.net

    A Look at Why Ghana Is Attracting IT Firms  | Voice of America-Ghanatoday.net

    Navrongo pilots malaria vaccination – Ghana Business News-Ghanatoday.net

    Malaria vaccine data from pilot project is promising – WHO-Ghanatoday.net

  • Viral News
  • Videos
    TroyBoi – Mother Africa-ghanatoday.net

    TroyBoi – Mother Africa-ghanatoday.net

    The Dancing Pallbearers of Ghana | Behind the Meme-ghanatoday.net

    The Dancing Pallbearers of Ghana | Behind the Meme-ghanatoday.net

    JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 50.70% : "NPP GOT 47.74%"  "GHANA POLITICS 2012" NDC-ghanatoday.net

    JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 50.70% : "NPP GOT 47.74%" "GHANA POLITICS 2012" NDC-ghanatoday.net

    Akan News @ 6pm On Peace 104.3 FM (19/02/2021)-ghanatoday.net

    Akan News @ 6pm On Peace 104.3 FM (19/02/2021)-ghanatoday.net

No Result
View All Result
Ghana Today
No Result
View All Result
Home Politics
Political battle looming over UK China relations

Political battle looming over UK China relations

May 22, 2020
in Politics


Boris Johnson celebrates Chinese New Year in JanuaryImage copyright
Getty Images

Image caption

Boris Johnson celebrates Chinese New Year in January

Rare is the day when some vexed foreign question does not grip British politics.

In recent decades there have been the bitter battles over Europe. But now China is taking its place in the corridors of Westminster as the defining external issue de nos jours.

Across the green benches the mood against China appears to be hardening, in part because of the way Beijing handled the coronavirus pandemic, but also now as a result of its plans to impose tough new security laws in Hong Kong.

There are new groups being formed by Conservative MPs, such as the China Research Group, pushing for a more robust line. Networks of MPs are being set up on Whatsapp to coordinate strategies.

Dean Godson, director of the centre-right think tank, Policy Exchange argues that different wings of the Conservative Party are coming together to demand a tougher line on the People’s Republic of China.

This coalition of what he calls “PRC-sceptic” MPs includes: pro-American MPs who fear a UK/US trade deal could be threatened unless Britain matches President Trump’s hostility to China; human rights advocates concerned about its treatment of Uighur Muslims; liberal internationalists disturbed by China’s challenge to the global rules based order; new MPs in the north of England anxious about factories damaged by China’s anti-competitive practises.

‘Golden era’

All this – plus the urgings of an increasingly China-hostile White House – is putting pressure on the UK government to harden its line.

Some MPs want Downing Street to ditch – or at least water down significantly – its plans to give the Chinese technology giant Huawei a partial role in the development of the UK’s 5G network.

Other Tory MPs are looking for a tougher response on Hong Kong. And now, in the wake of what many MPs see as China’s mishandling of the pandemic – its initial attempted cover-up, its subsequent aggressive “wolf warrior” diplomacy – there are also growing calls for a more fundamental rethink of Britain’s strategy towards China.

But this growing China-scepticism is not shared by all and will be resisted.

Image copyright
Getty Images

Image caption

Concerns about telecoms giant Huawei rumble on

The Conservatives are led by a prime minister, Boris Johnson, who has been instinctively supportive of engagement with China.

As London Mayor, he was a vocal advocate of David Cameron’s efforts to create a “golden era” in UK/China relations.

‘Scapegoat’

As Foreign Secretary, he never failed to remind Chinese visitors how his daughter was learning Mandarin.

In an interview broadcast by Phoenix Television in Hong Kong last summer, the future prime minister said. “We’re interested in what President Xi is doing…we are very pro-China.”

Some Conservative MPs are concerned about what they see as a new sinophobic tone from colleagues.

“They are being a little bit swivel-eyed and alarmist,” said one. “I am not sure how much they really understand China.”

These MPs fear the anti-China mood gripping both sides in the US presidential election is beginning to infect British politics too.

Richard Graham MP, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary China Group, said: “It might be tempting for everyone to want to treat China as a new national scapegoat, just as the EU was a convenient scapegoat in recent years.

“But it is not the most important thing in the minds of our constituents. The most important thing is going to be jobs. And in that sense, having a strong partnership with China makes absolute sense.”

Climate change

So perhaps the biggest obstacle to the growing tide of China-scepticism will be the huge economic downturn expected to follow the pandemic.

Some MPs believe the UK will not be able to afford a political battle with Beijing just when it will need Chinese investment to kick start the economy.

Some sources say this concern is shared at the top of the Treasury and the Foreign Office. It is worth remembering that for many Brexiteers, part of the post-EU “global Britain” vision involved much greater trade with China.

Other Conservatives MPs argue it would be unwise for Britain to disengage with a country that is central to most global issues.

Take climate change.

‘Constructive engagement’

China is both the largest emitter of carbon and the biggest investor in renewable energy. If Britain wants the COP26 summit in Glasgow next year to be a success in setting a new path for the world’s climate, then China, they argue, will have to be part of the deal.

Sir Simon Macdonald, permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, told the Foreign Affairs committee last month: “No problem that the world faces today can be addressed – still less solved – without the active participation of China. China is critical across the full policy waterfront.”

Image copyright
Reuters

Image caption

Are growing strains between the US and China affecting UK politics?

There will be countervailing pressures, too, from the Labour Party.

The new shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy, told me: “While parts of the Conservative Party sound increasingly hawkish about China, the economic fallout from COVID-19 will undoubtedly leave the UK looking to Beijing for investment.

“What is lacking is a coherent China strategy across government departments that allows for constructive engagement on shared challenges and priorities but gives us a greater degree of strategic independence. Ramping up the rhetoric is no substitute for a strategy.”

Tougher rhetoric

So how might the government respond to these different pressures?

Even before coronavirus broke out, officials had recognised that policy on China needed better coordination and had set up a new cross-government unit at the Foreign Office to do just that. This unit may be beefed up further.

There will be tougher language and rhetoric designed to placate the backbenches.

Ministers will act to make Britain less strategically dependent on China.

The government will try to reduce the length of supply chains and diversify its sources and markets, not just for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, but also technology and other strategic sectors.

There will be greater protection to stop UK firms being snapped up by Chinese conglomerates.

Closer alliances

The prime minister hinted at this in the Commons this week, saying he was “concerned about the buying up of UK technology now by countries that may have ulterior motives, and we are certainly introducing measures to protect our technological base.”

Much of this will not be targeted at China specifically but given cover as part of a broader attempt to improve the UK’s strategic resilience.

The pressure to limit Huawei’s investment in UK 5G even further may be impossible to resist.

There will also be an attempt to forge closer alliances with like-minded countries so any pressure on China can be coordinated.

“We don’t need to out-compete China, we have to out-collaborate China,” one Whitehall source said.

Lord Hague, the former foreign secretary, argues the trick will be for ministers to find a way of increasing Britain’s strategic independence while also establishing a new framework for engaging with China.

One very senior UK official told me: “We need to find a route between the ‘evil empire’ and ‘project kowtow’.”

But with the government facing competing pressures from Washington, Beijing and the backbenches of Westminster, finding that route will be no easy task.



Source link

Tags: all ghana newscelebrity news ghanacitinewsroomcurrent affairs issues in ghanadaily graphic jobsdaily graphic today page 30daily guide newspaper headlines todayentertainment news in ghanagh webghana electionsghana government factsghana news sitesghana news todayghana news today latestghana political historyghana political partiesghana political systemhot gossip in gh todayhttp peace fm sports newsjoy news liveKeywordlatest news in ghanamodern ghana musicmodern ghana sportsmodern ghana tvmost educated president in ghanamyjoyonline latest news for todaymyjoyonline news latestmyjoyonline news todaymyjoyonline sportsndc congress 2018 resultsndc elections resultsndc parliamentary primaries 2019ndc presidential primaries 2018peace fm contactpeace fm kokrokoopeace fm online entertainment today newspeacefmonlinepeacefmonline latest news todaypeacefmonline picturespolitical issues in ghanapolitical newspolitics in ghana pdfpulse ghanastarrfmonlinethe most learned president in ghanatrending political issueswho is the head of the legislature in ghanawww myjoyonline com politicswww peacefmonline com politicsyen news educationyen.com downloadyen.com.gh news today
Previous Post

LPG From Atuabo Not Contaminated- Ghana Gas Company | Economy-Ghanatoday.net

Next Post

Governments' Accountability For Responding To COVID-19, NCDs And Tobacco Epidemics

Next Post
Governments’ Accountability For Responding To COVID-19, NCDs And Tobacco Epidemics

Governments' Accountability For Responding To COVID-19, NCDs And Tobacco Epidemics

Abuga Pele turns Tutor and Football Coach at Nsawam Prison

Abuga Pele turns Tutor and Football Coach at Nsawam Prison

Ghana’s Social Protection and Public Choices in the Days of COVID-19 – Joe Amoako-Tuffour writes

Ghana’s Social Protection and Public Choices in the Days of COVID-19 - Joe Amoako-Tuffour writes

Advertisement

Recent News

Simple criminal investigation made to worsen into dangerous concoction of religion, politics and police administration : The Tribune India

Simple criminal investigation made to worsen into dangerous concoction of religion, politics and police administration : The Tribune India

April 23, 2021
0
Claiming NDC has no collated results for the 2020 election is pure balderdash – Ayine lashes cadres

Claiming NDC has no collated results for the 2020 election is pure balderdash – Ayine lashes cadres

April 23, 2021
0
Politics should not detract from climate policy, says Blinken : Energy & Environment

Politics should not detract from climate policy, says Blinken : Energy & Environment

April 23, 2021
0
You can’t break any 8 when you treat party members like ‘trash’

Rancor, animosity in MMDCEs selection will destroy party- NPP warned

April 23, 2021
0
Paul Fanlund: Race — the most important battleground in American politics | Paul Fanlund

Paul Fanlund: Race — the most important battleground in American politics | Paul Fanlund

April 23, 2021
0
TroyBoi – Mother Africa-ghanatoday.net

TroyBoi – Mother Africa-ghanatoday.net

April 23, 2021
0
26 year old National Service Person in Tamale Medical Stores fraud jailed 26 years-Ghanatoday.net

26 year old National Service Person in Tamale Medical Stores fraud jailed 26 years-Ghanatoday.net

April 23, 2021
2
ADVERTISEMENT

About Us

Welcome to Ghanatoday.net. Your premium website which brings you all the news from different Ghanaian news platforms. We appreciate all the sites which have contributed immensely to make this website a possibility.

Browse by Category

  • Africa
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Politics
  • Videos
  • Viral News

Recent News

Simple criminal investigation made to worsen into dangerous concoction of religion, politics and police administration : The Tribune India

Simple criminal investigation made to worsen into dangerous concoction of religion, politics and police administration : The Tribune India

April 23, 2021
Claiming NDC has no collated results for the 2020 election is pure balderdash – Ayine lashes cadres

Claiming NDC has no collated results for the 2020 election is pure balderdash – Ayine lashes cadres

April 23, 2021

Copyright © 2019 Ghanatoday.net. All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Africa
  • Business
  • Viral News
  • Videos

Copyright © 2019 Ghanatoday.net. All rights reserved

Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.