Tony Blair urges western powers to stand up to China

Former prime minister warns era of political and economic dominance by west coming to an end

Tony Blair has issued a rallying call to western nations to come together to develop a coherent strategy to counter the rise of China as the world's second superpower".

Delivering the annual Ditchley lecture on Saturday, the former prime minister called for a policy towards Beijing of strength plus engagement" as he warned the era of western political and economic dominance was coming to an end.