LONDON: Britain’s army chief has warned that within three years, the UK must prepare to confront a coalition of global threats posed by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
The Army Chief General Roly Walker highlighted three primary concerns, including China’s potential plans to invade Taiwan, citing intelligence indicating President Xi Jinping’s directive for military readiness by 2027.
Additional threats outlined by Walker include Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, which continue to escalate.
Walker expressed apprehension that Iran may breach the nuclear agreement aimed at preventing its development of nuclear weapons amid the ongoing Ukrainian conflict.
He underscored the growing alignment among these nations, characterized by mutual arms and technology exchanges, warning that this convergence of threats could reach a critical juncture by 2027.
While emphasizing that conflict is not inevitable, Walker cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could emerge as a significant threat post-Ukraine invasion, potentially seeking retribution against the UK and other supporters of Ukrainian forces.
Both Iran and North Korea have supported Russia in the Ukrainian conflict.
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In recent years, Iran has engaged in joint naval exercises with Russia and China in the Arabian Sea, with the latest held in March.
Moreover, a significant economic cooperation agreement between Iran and China signed in 2021, involves substantial investments aimed at developing Iran’s energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors in exchange for discounted oil.
