If China invaded Taiwan it would destroy world trade, says James Cleverly

UK foreign secretary warns a war across Taiwan strait and likely destruction of semiconductor industry would have global effects

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would destroy world trade, and distance would offer no protection to the inevitable catastrophic blow to the global economy, the UK's foreign secretary, James Cleverly, warned in a set piece speech on Britain's relations with Beijing.

In remarks that differ from French president Emmanuel Macron's attempts to distance Europe from any potential US involvement in a future conflict over Taiwan, and which firmly support continued if guarded engagement with Beijing, Cleverly said no country could shield itself from the repercussions of a war in Taiwan".