'UK must prioritize its interests over U.S.'

CGTN Europe

“We have to pursue our national interests, and we have to realize that national security, which is genuine and must be protected, is not the same as America's national superiority. There's a difference ,” says Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of the China-Britain Business Council #LeadersLounge   #LeadersLounge is a high-profile business leaders interview programme by CGTN EUROPE and CCCUK.

Transcript

00:00In the meantime, how much weight do you think the US carries in China-UK relations?

00:06Well, it has had a negative influence in the past.

00:12I've publicly said what is well known, that the second decision by the Boris Johnson's government

00:22to rip Huawei equipment out of the UK telecoms network wasn't driven by national security.

00:29It was driven by American pressure.

00:32It's cost Britain about £10 billion and a three-year delay in the rollout of 5G.

00:41So, it's a challenge. We have to pursue our national interests

00:47and we have to realise that national security, which is genuine and must be protected,

00:55is not the same as America's national superiority. There's a difference.

01:01And so Britain needs to stand up for its own national interests,

01:07the interests of our people, working with our European partners,

01:11and not succumb to pressure from others where it's not in our national interest to do so.

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