Former UK civil service chief calls Xi Jinping a ‘dictator’ over plans to reunify Taiwan

Comments from Simon Case come as UK defence review highlights military exercises around Taiwan as driver of global instability

The former head of the UK’s civil service has described the Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a “dictator” and said Donald Trump had put “helpful pressure” on Europe to increase defence spending.

Simon Case, who served as cabinet secretary until December when he stepped down on health grounds, said China had sent a clear message to “prepare for serious conflict” in Taiwan.