LONDON- A bipartisan committee of lawmakers has issued a scathing report, criticizing the British government for its sluggish response to Chinese interference. The Intelligence and Security Committee, responsible for overseeing the country's intelligence community, emphasized that the resources allocated to address security threats posed by China are woefully insufficient.
Furthermore, the committee accused the government of being tardy in formulating policies aimed at safeguarding critical UK assets from Chinese influence. The report underscores concerns that the consequences of this failure may impact the UK for years to come.
The lawmakers' committee expressed strong criticism, stating that the resources dedicated to countering China's comprehensive approach have been grossly inadequate. They highlighted the government's sluggishness in developing and implementing strategies and policies to address the issue.
This contradicts the government's positive portrayal of its approach to China as robust and clear-eyed. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, however, emphasized that the government is not complacent in its stance.
After launching an inquiry in 2019 to investigate national security concerns related to China, the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has released a comprehensive 207-page report. The report examined various issues, including the controversial involvement of Huawei in British telecoms infrastructure. The ISC noted that in previous years, the focus of British intelligence was primarily on terrorism, causing them to overlook their responsibility to address Chinese interference activities within the country.
The committee emphasized that short-term thinking still dominates the government's approach, urging ministers to adopt a longer-term perspective when formulating security policies.
Julian Lewis, the Chairman of the ISC, highlighted the significant risk that China poses to Britain, stressing that Beijing is increasingly envisioning a future where it could become a global superpower.
According to the report, the greatest risk to the UK lies in Beijing's aspirations to become a dominant force in technology and the economy, which would make other nations reliant on China. The report highlights Beijing's efforts to exert influence on decision-makers and elites, as well as its covert and overt methods of acquiring information and intellectual property in order to gain technological supremacy.
The ISC accuses the British government of prioritizing the economy over national security by welcoming Chinese investment in the UK's technology sector. Specifically, it criticizes the country's business department, stating that it would be unacceptable for ministers to allow Chinese involvement in critical national infrastructure, including the civil nuclear sector.
The Intelligence and Security Committee's report highlights the increasing espionage activities by China in the UK, involving the collection of human intelligence and sophisticated cyber-espionage. While the government has started to address security concerns, there is a lack of independent oversight in investment decisions related to national security.
China's economic power, takeovers, mergers, and collaborations with British academia and industry have facilitated its infiltration into every sector of the UK economy. The report warns that China effectively utilizes its financial resources and influence to penetrate academia, shape international narratives, and suppress criticism.
Chinese influence in UK academia has long been a concern, enabling Beijing to gain political influence and economic advantages over the country. Chinese cyber operations frequently target UK parliamentarians, as confirmed by GCHQ.
The report also highlights cases where former British officials, such as John Suffolk, have been recruited by Chinese companies, indicating the extent of China's efforts to expand its influence in the UK.
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has called for a review of the government's revolving door guidelines, specifically in relation to intelligence and security matters concerning China.
The committee submitted its report to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in May, and his response, received a month later, has raised accusations of government delay.
In his written statement, Sunak acknowledged that most of the evidence gathered by the committee predates the implementation of two significant foreign policy plans that strengthened the UK's position on China.
He highlighted that the government has already taken measures aligned with several of the committee's recommendations, demonstrating an improved understanding of interference in society and actively addressing it, irrespective of its source. Sunak affirmed the government's commitment to ongoing vigilance and the recognition of the need for further action.