Alistair Campbell

I mean, it is pretty dumb not to engage with China.

Do you know the new defense strategy?

They published the new defense strategy.

It doesn't even mention Taiwan.

China is just a sort of economic competitor as much as anything.

Hold on a minute.

Let's just on that for a bit.

Are they saying the Chinese shouldn't have an embassy here?

Or it's just a question of scale.

So on the one hand, we're saying that China is now this massive power on the part of America.

And on the other hand, we're saying they shouldn't have an embassy.

I think you're a bit harsh on that.

Listen, we're going to talk about Keir and Andy Burnham in the second half, but I actually think on the... So let's just say last week, you and I, and particularly I, were absolutely splitting blood feathers the lot about what he said about NATO troops pulling back from the front line.

Keir Starmer did eventually go out and called it out for what it was and may or may not pay a price for that.

Likewise, I think you'd be harsh.

I think he did stick with the Europeans on tariffs.

Yeah, okay, okay.

Well, listen, we'll talk about Keir Starmer again after the break, and I suspect you'll be even less flattering.

Welcome back to The Rest Is Polities with me, Alistair Campbell.

Hold on.