UK government to invest $1b to fight rising Chinese espionage
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Foreign Minister David Lammy said the government would boost its intelligence services after an audit of Britain's relations with Beijing.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
- UK report reveals increased Chinese espionage, democratic interference, and economic undermining, requiring stronger national security responses.
- Labour administration plans £600 million investment in intelligence services, balancing trade with resilience against Chinese threats.
- Despite disagreements, the UK aims for a "consistent" relationship with China, seeking investment while addressing human rights concerns.
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LONDON – Chinese spying and attempts by Beijing to undermine Britain’s democracy and economy have risen in recent years, the UK government said on June 24 in a report on the Asian giant.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy told Parliament the Labour administration would invest £600 million (S$1 billion) in its intelligence services as a result of the findings.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commissioned an “audit” of Britain’s relations with Beijing after he swept to power in a landslide general election win in July 2024.
The report recommended high-level engagement with China for a “trade and investment relationship” but also building “resilience” against threats posed by Beijing.
“We understand that China is a sophisticated and persistent threat”, but “not engaging with China is therefore no choice at all”, Mr Lammy told MPs.
“Like our closest allies, we will cooperate where we can and we will challenge where we must,” he said, vowing that meant “never compromising on our national security”.
Mr Starmer has vowed to pursue a “consistent” relationship after the previous Conservative government first trumpeted a “golden era” of close diplomatic ties before relations became increasingly strained.
The British premier hopes Chinese investment can help him achieve his main mission of firing up Britain’s economy.
But differences over Russia’s war in Ukraine, Beijing’s treatment of Uighurs and Hong Kong – including the imprisonment of media mogul Jimmy Lai
In a joint letter coordinated by Reporters Without Borders, 33 organisations around the globe wrote to Mr Starmer on June 24 asking him to meet Mr Lai’s son Sebastien.
“As a British citizen facing an unthinkable ordeal, Sebastien Lai deserves to hear first-hand from the Prime Minister what the UK is doing to secure his father’s release,” said the letter, which was signed by groups such as Amnesty International UK and Human Rights Foundation.
Espionage allegations have also blighted the relationship in recent years, including claims that a Chinese businessman used his links with Britain’s Prince Andrew
The report noted that “instances of China’s espionage, interference in our democracy and the undermining of our economic security have increased in recent years”.
“Our national security response will therefore continue to be threat-driven, bolstering our defences and responding with strong counter-measures,” the government said.
Mr Starmer’s administration is due to rule on whether to approve Beijing’s controversial plans to open the biggest embassy in Britain at a new London location.
Residents, rights groups and China hawks oppose the development, fearing it could be used for the surveillance and harassment of dissidents. AFP
