🔗 Share this article

Per multiple government sources, China has allegedly warned to respond toward the UK if officials move to target specific elements of its security infrastructure under newly implemented foreign influence registration requirements.

Diplomatic Strains Intensify

Beijing officials supposedly communicated this message to the British diplomatic corps soon after news surfaced that the British administration was contemplating such actions. This situation has heightened alarm bells given the administration's ongoing hesitance to enforce stricter foreign influence rules on lobbyists acting for Beijing or any branch of the Chinese state.

Current Lobbying Disclosure System

At present, only Russia and Iran have been included in the enhanced tier of the external lobbying registry (Firs), which came into effect in the summer and was fully implemented this month. This system requires anyone in the United Kingdom acting for a foreign power or entity to declare their activities to the authorities or face legal penalties.

• The enhanced tier applies to nations and organizations deemed a significant threat.
• It mandates additional reporting above the standard obligations.
• Consequently, any individual conducting undeclared work on behalf of Tehran or Russia could receive up to five years in jail.

Potential Targets

Previously, sources suggested that instead of targeting Beijing as a complete entity, UK officials were considering adding specific parts of the PRC governmental structure that have been accused of meddling in European and North American affairs to the stricter tier.

Such organizations allegedly comprise:

• China's Ministry of State Security
• The CCP (CCP)
• Beijing's united front apparatus
• China's military forces (PLA)

Dismissed Spying Trial

Simultaneously, the government faces growing pressure over the sudden dismissal of an espionage case against two British citizens, including a ex- parliamentary researcher. the first defendant, a former legislative assistant to Conservative MPs, and his friend Christopher Berry had been accused of working on behalf of Beijing.

Their trial was unexpectedly dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in the autumn. The accused men had contested the charges.

Legal Complications

Journalistic accounts suggested that the government's unwillingness to formally describe Beijing as an "enemy" in witness evidence from a intelligence representative contributed to the trial's dismissal. Jonathan Powell, the prime minister's top security official, reportedly led a meeting in the UK government headquarters where he told attendees that the state's evidence would stop well short of calling Beijing an enemy.

Government sources subsequently rejected the claim that the security adviser was involved in limiting official testimony.

The legal challenge originated in the Official Secrets Act of 1911, which states that a person is responsible for espionage if they pass on information "directly or indirectly useful to an enemy". Yet, the present government's national security strategy describes China as a "strategic competitor" rather than an adversary.

Ongoing Bilateral Relations

Notwithstanding these disagreements, British-Chinese diplomatic ties appear to be warming. Several senior UK officials have visited China on state trips since the current administration took office. These include the business secretary, who engaged in trade talks recently, and the national security adviser, who visited during the warmer months.

Furthermore, talks have reportedly taken place between senior Foreign Office officials and legislative officials regarding the prospect of removing the ban on the Chinese ambassador accessing the legislature, potentially in return for China removing its restrictions on UK parliamentarians.

The UK leader Keir Starmer is widely expected to make a state visit to China in early the new year, though the specific schedule might be influenced by international factors, including a potential visit by former US President Donald Trump.