‘Instances of China’s espionage, interference in our democracy and the undermining of our economic security have increased in recent years,’ a UK report states.
China has intensified efforts to spy on the United Kingdom and undermine its democracy and economic security, according to the national security strategy released by the British government on June 24.
The strategy recommends strengthening the country’s capabilities to engage with China and building resilience against potential threats, as it seeks to boost trade relations with the world’s second-largest economy.
It states that the competitive challenge posed by China—ranging from military modernization to an assertion of state power across economic, industrial, scientific, and technological domains—could potentially have significant consequences for the lives of British citizens.
“Instances of China’s espionage, interference in our democracy and the undermining of our economic security have increased in recent years,” the report stated, without providing details on the alleged instances.
According to the security strategy, the UK government will adopt a “threat-driven” approach to its national security response, bolstering defenses and implementing “strong counter-measures” to tackle threats, while pursuing trade relations with China.
“We will seek a trade and investment relationship that supports secure and resilient growth and boosts the UK economy,” the report stated. “Yet there are several major areas, such as human rights and cyber security, where there are stark differences and where continued tension is likely.”
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament on June 24 that China’s power is “an inescapable fact” and “not engaging with China is therefore no choice at all.”
Lammy was making a statement following the government’s audit of the UK–China bilateral relationship.
“China is our third biggest trading partner. Our universities’ second-largest source of international students. China will continue to play a vital role in supporting the UK’s secure growth,” he stated.
Lammy said the government will invest 600 million pounds (about $819 million) in its intelligence services, update state threats legislation, and enhance the nation’s ability to counter transnational repression.
