House Speaker Johnson Warns of Chinese, Russian Security Threats in UK Parliament Address
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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Jan. 20 told the UK Parliament in London that the United States is focused on countering security threats from China and Russia, especially in strategic areas such as the Arctic.
Johnson delivered his remarks during a visit to England’s capital to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, becoming the first U.S. House speaker to address the parliament.
His visit to London came amid growing geopolitical tensions over the U.S. bid to acquire Greenland for national security reasons.
“Let us look to agreement, continue our dialogue, and find a resolution just as we always have in the past,” Johnson said, adding that he was confident in the “special relationship” between the two nations.
Johnson warned that the West faces “increasingly sophisticated forms of subversion and espionage” from hostile powers, naming China, Russia, and Iran as examples.
The three nations, he said, are becoming “more aggressive and emboldened” in their efforts to exert economic, political, and military influence around the world, citing their human rights violations and provocative actions.
“Clearly, President Trump is taking seriously the modern and dynamic threats that China and Russia posed to our global security, especially and in focus the last few days as it relates to the Arctic,” Johnson said.
“And while we can have thoughtful debate among our friends about how best to counter these threats, we all certainly agree they must be countered. We ignore these threats at our peril.”
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Trump has said the United States must acquire Greenland for national security and to prevent Russia or China from gaining a foothold in the autonomous Danish territory.
Starmer said that employing tariffs is “not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance” and that Greenland’s security should not be used as a justification for economic pressure.
“A trade war is in no one’s interest, and my job is to act always in the UK’s national interest,” Starmer said, adding that he had spoken with Trump, European leaders, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to seek a solution based on “partnership, facts and mutual respect.”
