Britain's defence strategy sees Russia as a threat
The updated defence and foreign policy strategy of the United Kingdom states that the country’s main priority is to counter a geopolitical threat allegedly posed by Moscow's actions, RIA Novosti reports with reference to a joint statement made by the British Prime Minister’s Office and the Foreign Ministry
The document reads that the situation in Ukraine may negatively affect ‘the security and welfare’ of citizens of the United Kingdom.
The defence strategy also envisages the allocation of £5bn to replenish ammunition stocks, modernise the UK’s nuclear arsenal and finance a new stage of the AUKUS submarine programme.
In addition, the document mentions a possible threat from China.
"The updated strategy outlines how Britain will adapt its approach to China to meet the epochal challenge posed by the military, financial and diplomatic activities of the Communist Party of China," the statement reads.
Moreover, the British government intends to increase the country’s defence spending by £5bn ($6bn) over the next two years, and its military spending is scheduled to reach 2.5 percent of GDP in the long-term.
