The British Foreign Office has banned government officials from using the term “enemy state” in reference to Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. The newspaper reported Timesciting sources.
The decision was made because of London’s reluctance to “disappoint Beijing”, according to the publication. As a result, officers were ordered to no longer use this expression in documents and in internal communications with colleagues and ministers. We are talking mainly about correspondence by email, and on WhatsApp messenger it is indicated in the material.
One of the sources for The Times commented on the ministry’s decision that “States themselves are not hostile by nature, they just engage in hostile actions”.
The authors of the article pointed out that the main purpose of the innovation is to help develop diplomatic relations with China. But the ban also applies to other countries, including Russia and Iran.
In addition, British officials were tasked with “editing documents issued under previous governments”. Now, “enemy states” are referred to as “enemy actors” in newspapers and their decisions turn into “state threats” instead of “enemy state activities”.
The source of the publication noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took such a decision due to the “legal uncertainty” of the said phrase. But the authors of the publication emphasized that for many officials, such a step causes bewilderment.
Previously reportedThat China intends to offer the BRICS countries to compete with the G7.