The Labour government's refusal to describe China as a national security threat, despite evidence of espionage and repression, has reinforced its softened approach to Beijing. Critics argue that the party is hastily pursuing a return to the 'golden era' of relations under David Cameron, which collapsed after China's crackdown in Hong Kong and cyber attacks on British targets.
The controversy follows the dropping of a prosecution against two Britons accused of spying for China. Labour had previously promised to declare China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims as genocide, but backtracked on that commitment in October 2024. The party's manifesto now promises a 'long-term and strategic approach' to China, based on an audit of the bilateral relationship.
Security threats from China continue, including a hack of the Electoral Commission that compromised 40 million voter details, and attempts by Chinese state actors to recruit Britons on LinkedIn for industrial espionage. MI5 warned in 2023 that an estimated 20,000 Britons had been approached.
Key figures in shaping Labour's China policy include national security adviser Jonathan Powell, a former chief of staff to Tony Blair, who has advocated engaging with adversaries. Peter Mandelson, the only Labour peer to vote against the genocide amendment, has also called for closer ties. Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited Beijing in January, securing £600m in investment pledges, though some experts called it a poor return.
