Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has strongly denounced China’s pressure campaign against Taiwan, calling it unjustified “bullying,” and urged Western democracies to deepen both political and economic ties with the self-ruled island.
Johnson, speaking during a meeting with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday in Taipei, stressed the importance of supporting Taiwan amid growing threats from Beijing. “This is a free, peaceful society. It does not deserve to be intimidated in this way,” Johnson said, according to video footage released by the presidential office. “There’s absolutely no case for the current Chinese bullying of Taiwan… I hope it stops as soon as possible.”
He emphasized that the West must not “tiptoe away from Taiwan” due to pressure from China, but instead strengthen engagement with the democratic island, especially during “difficult and intense times.”
Johnson is the third former British prime minister to visit Taiwan, following Liz Truss in 2023 and Margaret Thatcher in the 1990s. His visit comes at a sensitive moment in UK-China relations, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to visit Beijing later this year in a bid to stabilise ties.
While the UK, like most countries, does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it maintains close cultural and economic cooperation with the island. In a move seen as symbolic support, a British Royal Navy patrol vessel sailed through the Taiwan Strait in June.
China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has escalated military and diplomatic pressure on the island in recent years, including near-daily incursions by Chinese fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan. Beijing views visits by foreign dignitaries as interference in its internal affairs and has previously condemned similar trips by British lawmakers.
During his trip, Johnson delivered a keynote address at the Taipei Security Dialogue hosted by the Prospect Foundation, a local think tank. President Lai also attended the event and used the platform to highlight Taiwan’s commitment to democratic values and international cooperation.
Lai announced that Taiwan’s defence spending will increase to over 3% of GDP in 2026, part of efforts to strengthen deterrence in the face of growing regional threats. He also called for a “democratic supply chain” strategy, urging like-minded countries to collaborate more closely on economic resilience.
“I’m confident that if democracies can join hands in creating more robust, more resilient global democratic supply chains, we can spur even more economic prosperity and further consolidate our democracy,” Lai said.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately comment on Johnson’s visit. However, the trip is expected to draw criticism from Beijing, which routinely denounces foreign engagement with Taiwan’s government.
Johnson’s remarks and presence in Taiwan further highlight growing Western support for the island as it seeks to bolster its international standing amid mounting tensions with China.
Written By Rodney Mbua
