The Chinese Navy as a threat to British interests

Is the Chinese Navy a direct threat to the United Kingdom?

In this 2021 answer, not as an invasion threat to Britain itself, but potentially as a challenge to the maritime order, overseas territories, allies, and treaty partners that British policy supports.

A threat to British territory is different from a threat to British interests. A Chinese amphibious invasion of the United Kingdom is not the scenario under discussion. Pressure on overseas territories, allied states, treaty partners, and the international system Britain benefits from could still draw in the Royal Navy. Global sea power is measured through alliances and access as well as homeland defence.