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Chance for stability in aftermath of China hawk Liz Truss, analyst says

  • The former British PM was ready to forge ahead with her China threat plan before her resignation
  • Her departure could ease strained ties but the long-term prospects may not be rosy, analysts warn

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Former British prime minister Liz Truss did not have time to do much on foreign affairs, according to one Chinese analyst. Photo: Reuters
The political turmoil in Britain over Liz Truss’ surprise resignation as prime minister on Thursday will probably take some pressure off its strained ties with Beijing but the long-term outlook remains clouded, according to Chinese observers.
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While internet commenters in China expressed glee over Truss’ reign as the shortest-serving British prime minister in history, the Chinese foreign ministry refused to comment directly on Friday on the sudden departure of Truss, who continued her predecessor Boris Johnson’s hawkish approach towards China and Russia.

Describing the issue as “an internal British matter”, the ministry’s response was similar to its reaction to Johnson’s resignation in July, with Beijing now setting its eyes on Truss’ successor, who is likely to be decided as early as next week.

Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China’s position on bilateral ties had been “consistent and clear” and “maintaining and developing bilateral relations is the shared responsibility of both China and Britain, and serves the common interests of the two peoples”.

“We hope to work with Britain to push forward China-UK relations on the right track on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results,” he said.

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Outgoing UK prime minister Liz Truss joins ranks of shortest-serving world leaders

Outgoing UK prime minister Liz Truss joins ranks of shortest-serving world leaders

Beijing’s ties with Truss had been difficult since her days as Johnson’s foreign secretary, when she advocated a plan for Britain to designate China as a national security “threat” for the first time.

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