Senior Tories Criticize Trump for Aligning with North Korea, China and Russia

Senior Tories criticize President Trump for siding with North Korea and China after the U.S. administration abstained from condemning Russia in a U.N. vote on Ukraine. Lord Heseltine warned of a dangerous alliance that could incentivize conflict. While some Tories expressed grave concerns, others, like Kemi Badenoch, sought to maintain a degree of support for U.S. foreign policy, reflecting internal party complexities.

Senior British Conservatives have expressed serious concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s alignment with countries such as North Korea and China, particularly after the U.S. administration abstained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Lord Heseltine stated that Trump risks creating a dangerous coalition which encourages hostility rather than peace. He emphasized that American leadership has historically played a crucial role in forming democratic alliances and stopping totalitarian regimes.

The U.N. General Assembly’s resolution condemning Russia garnered wide support, yet Trump’s decision to align with China, North Korea, and Belarus—who did not support the resolution—was met with disbelief. Mr. Heseltine remarked on the implications of such an alliance for global stability, referring to the importance of American support in historical conflicts.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith lamented the alignment with repressive states, stating, “The ‘leader of the free world’ siding with totalitarian states guilty of murder, slave labour, war and genocide. The great presidents of the past will be turning in their graves.” Moreover, Sir Malcolm Rifkind commented on Trump’s apparent attempt to gain favor with Putin despite the troubling implications.

In contrast, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch maintained a more measured tone, acknowledging America’s role as an ally while asserting her disagreement with Trump’s characterization of Ukrainian President Zelensky. She acknowledged the complexity of U.S. foreign policy, signifying a notable shift from previous rhetoric within the party.

President Trump, meanwhile, continues to describe Zelensky as a dictator, further complicating international relations. During a press briefing, he refrained from labeling Putin as a dictator, stating clearly that he does not use such labels lightly, instead emphasizing a cautious approach to the evolving situation in Eastern Europe.

In summary, senior British Conservatives have raised alarm regarding President Trump’s association with North Korea and China amid U.S. abstentions against Russia at the U.N. Lord Heseltine and other Tories criticize the potential formation of an ‘axis’ that undermines global peace. The mixed responses within the party and Trump’s ongoing comments towards Ukraine illustrate the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in relation to authoritarian regimes and alliances.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk