Rishi Sunak calls China ‘systemic challenge’, in sign of softer UK stance

PM's remarks at G20 summit suggest shift away from Liz Truss pledge to redesignate Beijing as a threat'

Rishi Sunak has rowed back from officially recategorising China as a threat", saying he views the country as a systemic challenge", despite concerted pressure from Conservative MPs.

The prime minister's remarks are likely to draw ire from the large group of China sceptics on the Conservative backbenches, including former leader Iain Duncan Smith and others such as Alicia Kearns, who chairs the foreign affairs select committee.