Former UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, who stepped down last December, recently warned that while the focus is on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it is essential not to forget that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the primary threat to the international situation in the next 20 years. He emphasized that the UK needs to increase defense spending immediately to address global threats, including the “quasi-empire” of the CCP.
According to a report by The Times on May 21, Case, during an interview on their podcast “Generals and Reporters,” was asked about the biggest threat facing the UK. He responded, “Currently, it’s easy for people to focus on what’s in front of them, as we are supporting the war of the Ukrainians against Russia.”
“But for me, the long-term threat is China (CCP). We see it expanding its intentions, influence, and tentacles globally. They possess significant economic power…have made huge leaps in military technology, and evidently have intentions to use it.”
The former Cabinet Secretary warned that the UK faces a nexus of hostile states, with increasing cooperation among these countries. China, with rapid technological and military advancements, leads this axis.
Case pointed out, “You can see China (CCP) constantly sharing technology with North Korea, Iran, and Russia…all future threats will be related to China (CCP), whether directly or indirectly.”
“I believe our entire Western alliance needs to pick up the pace, be prepared, and absolutely be ready by 2030.”
When asked about the situation in the Taiwan Strait, Case regretfully stated that the “threat window” of a CCP military invasion in Taiwan may start earlier than anticipated and could last longer than hoped by various sectors.
Case has held high-level positions such as Chief Private Secretary to the Prime Minister since 2016 and was Cabinet Secretary since 2020, serving under a total of six prime ministers from David Cameron to the current Keir Starmer. He is well-versed in the British Cabinet’s assessment and operation on national security matters.
Case has also worked in the UK Ministry of Defence and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and is particularly knowledgeable on nuclear weapons and deterrence issues, currently engaged in work related to the UK’s nuclear capability development.
This was Case’s first interview since resigning due to illness last year.
He also harshly criticized the UK’s increasingly weakened defense and cybersecurity capabilities, stating that the defense system has been progressively weakened due to “underinvestment over the past few decades” and “dangerous complacency.”
Case further urged the UK to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP and reequip means for the second type of nuclear weapon launch, as a single method may no longer be adequate to meet the demands.