The Daily T Can We Be Great Again? Jeremy Hunt and John Bolton on how to deal with China
Jul 18, 2025
Join John Bolton, former US National Security Advisor, and Simon McDonald, ex-head of the UK Diplomatic Service, as they dive into the intricacies of UK-China relations. They tackle Trump's tariff strategies and ponder whether the UK can truly influence global governance. Packed with humor, they share a lighthearted diplomatic blunder and discuss the growing China-Russia alliance. From Taiwan's identity crisis to the ethical dilemmas of green technology, the conversation highlights the urgent need for a balanced diplomatic approach in today's complex geopolitical landscape.
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Jeremy Hunt's National Faux Pas
- Jeremy Hunt mistakenly called his Chinese wife Japanese during a meeting with China's ambassador to Japan.
- This error happened due to nervousness and was captured live by media cameras, causing a viral moment.
China as Principal Threat
- John Bolton identifies China as the senior partner posing the principal threat to the West this century.
- The China-Russia axis is still emerging but could significantly alter global power dynamics, especially through resource access.
Shift in Perception of China
- Jeremy Hunt has shifted from optimism about China to recognition of Xi Jinping altering the country's trajectory.
- China no longer aspires to be just a prosperous trading hub but a challenger to democratic values.