Whether Liz Truss, the third female prime minister in British history, can match the performance of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady,” depends on whether she will live up to expectations and lead the UK out of domestic and international challenges.
The Truss administration would undoubtedly bring an end to the “golden era” of Sino-British relations proclaimed by former British prime minister David Cameron. This presents an opportunity for Taiwan to improve its relations with the UK.
Since being appointed foreign secretary last year by then-British prime minister Boris Johnson, Truss has made clear her position that China is a potential threat to the UK’s security, whether in policy question-and-answer sessions or during interviews.
The UK has been in line with the US strategy of taking a hard line against Beijing in Europe as well as the Indo-Pacific region. It is self-evident that Truss would continue the hawkish policy as the new prime minister.
Cameron in 2014 proposed the Northern Powerhouse project to boost economic growth in northern England with Chinese backing and developing the region into an economic zone to rival the south.
China and the UK in 2015 signed cooperation agreements worth ￡40 billion (US$46 billion at the current exchange rate), which was hailed as starting a “golden era” in Sino-British relations.
Things have changed since then. With global sentiment turning against China, the Truss administration’s stance on Beijing could sound the death knell for the “golden era.”
However, whether the Truss administration could set a new baseline for China relations depends on whether her policies of tax cuts and small government would see the UK through high inflation and a likely economic recession.
Further, as the Truss administration prioritizes national security over economic development, it would likely try to diminish China’s influence.
This is indeed a new beginning for Taiwan-UK ties. Their course would depend on whether Taiwan can make the most of the situation to boost bilateral ties, and boost cooperation and mutual benefit.
However, if Truss’ policies fail to deliver, the pendulum could well swing back in China’s favor, given the latter’s economic strength — and it would not be difficult for other British politicians to become pro-China again.
Paul Lei is a political commentator.
Translated by Lin Lee-kai
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