UK Basing Aircraft Carrier In Far East A 'Very Dangerous Move'

The Chinese Ambassador to the UK has advised Britain against basing an aircraft carrier in the Far East, warning that it would be "a very dangerous move".

Speaking to the Times, Liu Xiaoming said it could be seen as an act of aggression towards Beijing, and as Britain ganging up with the United States on China.

"After Brexit, I think the UK still wants to play an important role in the world," he told the newspaper.

"That is not the way to play an important role."

Last week, the Ministry of Defence maintained there has been "no decision" on where HMS Queen Elizabeth will be sent on her maiden deployment.

It followed reports the £3 billion aircraft carrier could be sent to the Far East region to counter growing Chinese assertiveness.

Watch: 'No decision' on carrier's first deployment.

Mr Liu said that Britain and China have had ups and downs during his time as ambassador.

The UK recently decided to exclude Huawei from its new 5G mobile network and to grant a path of citizenship to almost three million people from Hong Kong.

Mr Liu also suggested that Boris Johnson has shown weakness to Washington and his backbenchers.

"I remember when Americans tried very hard to crack down or suppress Huawei and the British leaders to me were open," he said.

"National leaders should have a vision about what is in the best interests of the country.

"They should not succumb to political pressure. China-UK relations are too important to be kidnapped by those anti-China forces."