TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged deeper cooperation between the UK and Taiwan to deter a Chinese invasion.

Johnson said at a press conference Tuesday that the UK and Taiwan share the same strategic views. Neither country wants to see a change in the balance of power in the Asia Pacific region or the first island chain, he said.

Johnson also called on Europe to increase engagement with Taiwan, rather than “tiptoe away” out of fear of upsetting China.

“Now is the time to show that we care,” he said. “The more emphatic we can be now about the need to protect freedom in Taiwan, the more misery we can save later on.”

The former prime minister praised the UK and Taiwan for aiming to spend 3% of GDP on defense and urged all NATO members to increase defense spending.

Johnson said he supported the UK’s “Indo Pacific tilt”, explaining that the UK and European countries have “a responsibility to contribute in this part of the world.”  He warned that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would “set off a chain of events” that cannot be controlled. 

“Trying to use force in situations like this can lead to utter disaster,” he said.

Johnson arrived in Taiwan to deliver a speech at the Ketagalan Forum on Tuesday. He also held a meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), during which he lauded Taiwan’s democracy and reaffirmed the UK’s support.