The UK Government is under mounting pressure to formally declare China a national security threat following revelations linking Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy, to prominent figures, including the Duke of York. Yang, who denies any wrongdoing, is the latest individual to be named in a series of allegations concerning Beijing’s efforts to infiltrate key sectors of British society.
These developments have reignited calls for the implementation of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (Firs), a measure proposed by the previous government to monitor foreign influence activities. Critics are urging the Government to categorise China in the scheme’s “enhanced” tier, a designation that would subject Chinese entities and individuals to heightened scrutiny.
Allegations of chinese infiltration
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former Conservative leader and a leading critic of China’s influence in the UK, addressed Parliament on Monday, stating that Yang Tengbo was “not a lone wolf.” He cited findings from Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, which claimed that China’s United Front Work Department has embedded itself across various sectors of the UK economy.
“There are an estimated 40,000 members of the United Front Work Department operating in this country,” Sir Iain told MPs. “Their objective is clear: to influence, infiltrate, and undermine.”
Government response
Security Minister Dan Jarvis defended the Government’s position, asserting that every available tool would be used to safeguard the nation’s interests. However, he acknowledged that the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme had not been ready for implementation when Labour came to power earlier this year.
“Since coming into office, we have ensured there are now more resources than ever dedicated to Firs implementation,” Jarvis said. Despite this, he stopped short of committing to placing China in the “enhanced” tier when the scheme is launched in the summer of 2025.
Designating China as an enhanced threat could provoke diplomatic retaliation from Beijing, adding a layer of complexity to the Government’s decision-making.
China’s threat acknowledged
Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed Parliament on Monday, acknowledging that China poses a threat but emphasising the need to balance security concerns with diplomatic engagement. “The allegations against Mr Yang do not exist in a vacuum,” he said, highlighting broader concerns about state-sponsored espionage.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed this sentiment during a press conference, stating, “China presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Our approach is to engage where necessary, co-operate on issues like climate change, challenge on human rights, and compete in trade.”
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A delicate balancing act
The alleged espionage activities come amid a thaw in UK-China relations following Labour’s victory in the July general election. Last month, Sir Keir Starmer became the first British Prime Minister to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, holding talks during the G20 summit in Brazil. Foreign Secretary Lammy also conducted a two-day visit to China in October, aimed at fostering economic cooperation.
However, these efforts to rebuild ties have been overshadowed by growing concerns over Beijing’s covert activities.
Broader implications
Security experts warn that categorising China as a national security threat could significantly alter the UK’s foreign policy landscape. While such a move might strengthen national security measures, it risks exacerbating tensions with Beijing, potentially jeopardising trade relations and diplomatic efforts on global issues like climate change.
Yang Tengbo’s case has drawn comparisons to previous allegations of Chinese espionage in Westminster, highlighting what many see as a systemic issue. The calls for stronger measures, including the implementation of Firs, underscore the urgency of addressing foreign influence in the UK’s political and economic spheres.
Conclusion
As the Government grapples with these complex challenges, it faces the difficult task of balancing national security with the practicalities of international diplomacy. The coming months will likely see intensified scrutiny of the UK’s relationship with China, with many urging immediate action to safeguard British institutions and interests.
For now, the Government’s cautious approach is being tested by mounting demands for decisive action against what many see as an undeniable threat to the nation’s security.
