China vows to resist ‘interference’ as Taiwan welcomes support from Aukus allies

Australia and US pledge stronger ties, EU calls for trade deal and Johnson refuses to rule out getting involved in a conflict involving the island

China's president, Xi Jinping, has vowed to resist interference from external forces" as Taiwan welcomed support from major allies after a US-Australia ministerial forum pledged stronger ties with the island and the European parliament called for a bilateral trade deal.

Speaking at a meeting of the heads of state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tajikistan via video link, Xi urged members of the grouping to absolutely resist external forces to interfere [in] countries in our region at any excuse, and hold the future of our countries' development and progress firmly in our own hands".