The PM spoke to reporters at a press conference this morning (Picture: REUTERS)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said ‘China poses the greatest challenge of our age’ whilst speaking with other world leaders at the G7.

Mr Sunak explicity identified China as ‘posing the greatest challenge of our age’ in regards to global security and prosperity.

Mr Sunak was speaking at a conference at the G7 summit in Japan.

He said China is ‘increasingly authoritarian at home and abroad’.

The PM added: ‘China poses the biggest challenge of our age to global security and prosperity, they are increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad.’

‘This is all about de-risking, not de-coupling.’

Mr Sunak spoke on immigration, saying it is a global issue but affirmed that the British Government will decide on who enters the UK.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) speaking with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (L) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (front) at the summit this morning (Picture: EPA)

‘We must stop the boats and stop the business model of the criminal gangs,’ he said.

Mr Sunak also paid tribute to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and spoke about the war in Ukraine.

He said: ‘We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes because their security is our security.

‘We have made a real breakthrough at this summit, thanks to President Biden’s support for an international coalition to provide F-16 jets.

‘Any peace settlement must be on Ukraine’s terms.’

When asked about Suella Braverman’s speeding fine Mr Sunak asked the reporter whether he had any questions about the summit before answering.

‘I don’t know the full details of what has happened nor have I spoken to the Home Secretary,’ he said.

‘I think you can see first hand what I have been doing over the last day or so but I understand that she’s expressed regret for speeding, accepted the penalty and paid the fine.’

When asked about the phrase ‘de-risking not de-coupling’ from China he said they are very clear eyed about the risk that China poses.

Mr Sunak said: ‘We will work together as the G7 and other countries make sure that we can de-risk ourselves and the vulnerability of supply chains that we have seen from China, take the steps necessary to protect ourselves against hostile investment and do so in a way that doesn’t damage each other.’

He added Mr Zelensky’s presence at the summit sends a ‘very powerful’ message to Russia.

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He was speaking at the G7 summit in Japan.