UK security minister defies convention with meeting with Taiwanese counterpart

UK security minister, Tom Tugendhat, broke with convention by meeting Taiwan's digital minister, Audrey Tang, to discuss mutual security interests, a move that risks infuriating China. Britain only has formal diplomatic relations with Beijing, but maintains a de facto embassy in Taipei. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and fiercely objects to perceived foreign interference with the island. Tugendhat, who attends cabinet meetings as security minister, was sanctioned by China two years ago for speaking out about alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.