UK Government Says China Is Working to Undermine British Democracy, Economy
Udumbara
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.
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 states. “Yet there are several major areas, such as human rights and cyber security, where there are stark differences and where continued tension is likely.”
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 ($817 million) in its intelligence services, update state threats legislation, and enhance the nation’s ability to counter transnational repression.
The audit assessed that China remains a “sophisticated and persistent challenge” to the UK, underscoring the need for Britain’s approach to remaining grounded in international law and deterrence when it comes to China, Lammy noted, citing the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) destabilizing actions in the disputed South China Sea and toward Taiwan, the self-ruling island Beijing claims as its own.
“We will continue to work with our regional partners to support freedom of navigation and call out China’s abuses,” he said, adding that the UK will maintain “vibrant ties” with Taiwan on trade and education.
Commenting on the UK’s national security strategy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters on June 25 that China is willing to expand relations with the UK but will not tolerate “any smear or groundless accusation.”
Earlier this month, Lammy met with Liu Jianchao, minister of the CCP’s international department, during Liu’s visit to the UK.
During the meeting, Liu affirmed China’s willingness to work with the UK to “strengthen high-level exchanges, engage in in-depth dialogues, expand consensus, focus on cooperation, and continue to promote forward-looking development of bilateral relations,” according to a statement issued by his office.
