Relations later frayed under Boris Johnson, however, as Trump pressured Britain to purge Chinese firm Huawei from Britain’s 5G network. Given that the matter was one of national security, the U.K. sided with America, but the move clearly soured relations with China.
Trump may well want to make that relationship more awkward again.
Elsewhere on the diplomatic front, Starmer is planning to use the G20 summit to rally support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion as the conflict grinds toward its 1,000th day.
“There’s got to be full support for as long as it takes and that certainly is top of my agenda, shoring up that further support for Ukraine,” the prime minister told reporters.
Though he didn’t mention Trump, it’s clear allies are trying to do all they can before he reenters the White House, considering he’s cast doubt on U.S. support for Kyiv.
At the G20, Starmer is expected to push Joe Biden for a $20 billion loan to Ukraine during his last weeks as president. The prime minister will also seek approval for Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to target sites deep within Russia.
Starmer declined to criticize German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin — in their first reported call in nearly two years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, conversely, likened the call to opening “Pandora’s box.”
“It’s a matter for Chancellor Scholz who he speaks to,” Starmer said, adding: “I have no plans to speak to Putin.”
