Despite her campaign rhetoric, Truss understands that the UK cannot just blindly follow US policy on China. With debt-laden Britain outside the EU and facing a recession, she can ill afford to dismiss the economic benefits of more pragmatic ties with Beijing.
Bold promises made during her election campaign, combined with serious domestic challenges, may hamper Truss’ ability to build the U.K.’s footprint in the region.
The favourite to succeed Boris Johnson is reportedly planning to brand China as a ‘threat’ and is tipped to draw a clear line under the ‘golden era’ of cooperation.