iz Truss has pledged to build stronger economic and trade ties with Commonwealth countries to counter the “growing evil influence” of China.
If she succeeds Boris Johnson as Prime Minister in September, Ms Truss would launch a “New Commonwealth Deal” aimed at strengthening economic ties across the Commonwealth.
By ensuring that the Commonwealth is “at the heart of its plans for Global Britain”, Minister of Foreign Affairs hopes she will be able to counter “Beijing’s growing evil influence”.
It comes as Britain’s national security adviser, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, warned of the “speed and scale at which China expands its nuclear and conventional arsenals,” as he said the world is entering a “dangerous new era of proliferation.”
Ms. Truss’ plan would expedite bilateral trade deals with Commonwealth partners, which her campaign team says would increase the Commonwealth’s trade cost advantage, which is already 21% lower on average for trade between Commonwealth countries versus non-members.
Ms Truss said: “I will ensure that the Commonwealth is at the center of my plans for Britain.
“As one of the largest groups of freedom-loving democracies, we must ensure that there are clear benefits to staying in the Commonwealth and provide nations with a clear alternative to the growing evil influence of Beijing.
“Prioritising trade with Commonwealth countries will strengthen economic and security ties while increasing the opportunities for UK businesses to access one of the world’s largest economic blocs.”
She believes trade and investment play a key role in stopping China’s growing influence
A spokesperson for the campaign added: “Liz believes the Commonwealth is vital to counter the influence of China and other authoritarian regimes that seek to undermine democratic values and freedom.
“She believes trade and investment play a key role in halting the growing Chinese influence, with Beijing using investment as part of its Belt and Road Initiative.
“As Prime Minister, she will take every opportunity to strengthen economic and security ties in the Commonwealth.”
Speaking in Washington DC, Sir Stephen said: “During the Cold War, we have benefited from a series of negotiations and dialogues that have improved our understanding of Soviet doctrine and capabilities – and vice versa.
“This gave both of us a higher level of confidence that we would not miscalculate our path to nuclear war. Today we don’t have the same foundations with others who could threaten us in the future – especially with China.”
Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran said: “Liz Truss is repeating old promises while ignoring the massive damage her government has done to Britain’s reputation abroad.
“As Secretary of State, Truss has helped oversee the brutal cuts in aid to our Commonwealth allies, which have plunged desperate people into poverty.
“It shows that all the rhetoric about Global Britain is just empty words.”