THE Aukus security pact involving Australia, Britain and the US endangers stability in the Pacific, China’s ambassador to Britain warned today.

The deal involves the development of a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia as part of Washington’s bid to encircle China with military alliances.

But Ambassador Zheng Zeguang said blocs such as Aukus were “not conducive to regional stability, and will only create division and friction.”

In a speech to the Asia House think tank in London, he said he hoped Britain would work with China to increase mutual trust, but that China was resolutely opposed to exclusive blocs such as Aukus.

Mr Zheng said: “China follows a consistent policy towards the UK, continuing to seek a relationship based on mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and win-win co-operation.

“We see great potential in our bilateral economic, educational and cultural tourism co-operation.

“The two countries should enhance understanding, avoid, misjudgement and misperception and increase mutual trust through dialogue,” he said.