Risk of nuclear war from cutting off China and Russia, says security tsar

Taiwanese military personnel take part in a military exercise simulating a Chinese invasion, amid rising tensions with the west and Beijing over the island. Photograph: Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

The west risks the initiation of nuclear conflict with China or Russia because of a “breakdown of communication” with the two countries, the UK’s national security adviser has warned.

Sir Stephen Lovegrove, 55, said that the erosion of backdoor channels had resulted in an increased chance of an accidental escalation into war.