A leading British human rights advocate is urging Britain’s new prime minister to take Taiwan’s warnings about China seriously and rally democratic countries against Beijing’s growing transnational repression.

Benedict Rogers, co-founder of Hong Kong Watch, made the appeal in a commentary published after Andy Burnham took office on July 20. Rogers cited Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) warning that China’s pressure campaign threatens not only Taiwan, but democracies worldwide.

Rogers pointed to alleged Chinese influence operations in Britain, including espionage concerns in Parliament, cyberattacks targeting the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Defence, interference with academic freedom and intimidation of overseas dissidents. He said he has also been targeted.

The commentary highlighted China’s expanding pressure in Southeast Asia. Rogers cited Thailand’s restrictions on exhibitions involving Hong Kong, Tibet and Uyghur issues, as well as its repatriation of Uyghurs to China. He also raised the cases of Hong Kong activist Zhang Xinyan (張信燕) and Chinese investigative journalist Bai Zhaodong (白兆東), both of whom have faced restrictions in Thailand and possible deportation.

Rogers said Taiwan is important not only as a democracy, but also as a major economy central to semiconductor production, advanced technology and global supply chains. He warned that if Beijing gained control of Taiwan through force, a blockade or other means, the economic and security consequences would extend far beyond Asia.

He called on Britain and other democracies to resist Chinese intimidation, defend people targeted across borders and strengthen support for Taiwan.