Conservatives: Starmer's visit to China has made the UK 'more vulnerable'

UK-China Relations & National Security: A Discussion with Alicia Kearns

Key Concepts:

• Jimmy Lai: A British national and pro-democracy activist currently imprisoned in China, facing charges related to his activism in Hong Kong.
• IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps): The military, security, and intelligence force of Iran, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries.
• Cyber Attacks: Malicious attempts to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices.
• Deterrence: A strategy intended to discourage an action or event by threatening a negative consequence.
• Trade Deficit: An economic condition where a country imports more goods and services than it exports.
• Hostile Acts: Actions taken by a foreign power that are intended to harm or undermine another country.
• National Security: The security of a nation, including its borders, citizens, and interests.
• Economic Security: The economic stability and resilience of a nation.

1. Prime Minister’s China Visit & Initial Agreements

The Prime Minister recently concluded a three-day trip to China, securing agreements for 30-day visa-free travel for British citizens and a reduction in tariffs on Scotch whisky. However, these gains are overshadowed by ongoing concerns regarding security issues and China’s human rights record. The Prime Minister has presented his approach as “cleareyed and pragmatic,” aiming to balance raising concerns with maintaining a positive relationship with Beijing.

2. Criticism of the Government’s Approach: The Case of Jimmy Lai

Alicia Kearns, Shadow National Security Minister, strongly criticized the Prime Minister’s handling of the visit, particularly the failure to publicly acknowledge or advocate for the release of Jimmy Lai, a British national held by Chinese authorities for over 1,800 days and allegedly subjected to torture. Kearns highlighted that neither the Prime Minister nor his spokesperson mentioned Lai’s name during the visit, despite his prolonged detention for pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong. She stated, “Imagine your prime minister went to China on this big propaganda visit and refused to say his name, let alone did not bring him home. That is unacceptable.”

3. Escalating Hostile Acts & Lack of Deterrence

Kearns detailed a pattern of escalating hostile acts from China over the past 18 months, including increased cyber attacks against the UK and its businesses, the infiltration of a spy into Parliament, continued support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the ongoing detention of Jimmy Lai. She argued that the current Labour government has failed to implement any deterrence or repercussions for these actions, instead offering Xi Jinping a “propaganda visit” without preconditions. Kearns proposed a more assertive approach, stating she would have demanded an end to hostile acts and the release of Jimmy Lai as preconditions for the visit.

4. UK Economic Leverage & Trade Dynamics with China

The discussion addressed the UK’s economic relationship with China. The government claims a £45 billion trade relationship, but Kearns countered this by pointing out a £39 billion trade deficit – meaning the UK imports significantly more from China than it exports. She argued that the UK possesses more economic leverage than the government acknowledges, citing China’s stated goal of self-sufficiency and a recent 27-40% decline in UK exports to China under the current government. Kearns emphasized the need for a “transactional” approach, identifying sectors for cooperation and those where engagement is unacceptable. She refuted the idea of economic “begging” and asserted that the UK should not be afraid to utilize its economic position.

5. Strategic Naiveté & China’s Economic Future

Kearns expressed concern about the government’s strategic naiveté, noting Xi Jinping’s ambition for China to become completely self-sufficient. She believes this diminishes the potential for a mutually beneficial economic relationship and that the government underestimates the UK’s influence. She stated, “Xi Jinping has said that he wants to be China to be completely self-sufficient in years to come. So there is not going to be some glorious economic relationship.”

6. National Security vs. Economic Security

A central argument presented by Kearns was the prioritization of national security over economic security. She drew a parallel to the situation in Ukraine, arguing that a failure to deter hostile actions ultimately undermines both security and economic stability. She insisted that the government’s inaction, including failing to summon the Chinese ambassador to address hostile acts, sends a dangerous signal.

7. IRGC Proscription & Iranian Threat

The conversation shifted to the European Union’s decision to proscribe the IRGC. Kearns affirmed Labour’s commitment to proscribing the IRGC if the legislation is effective in enhancing UK security. She highlighted the IRGC’s role in ordering assassination attempts on British soil and emphasized the importance of standing with the Iranian people protesting against the Ayatollah’s regime.

8. Russian Spy Ship & Undersea Cables

The presence of a Russian spy ship near UK undersea cables off the coast of Minehead was also discussed. Kearns expressed surprise at the government’s silence on the matter, emphasizing the vital importance of these cables and the need for a clear statement and repercussions. She characterized the incident as an “escalation” of Russian activity and warned that a lack of deterrence signals openness to attack.

9. The Importance of Deterrence

Throughout the discussion, Kearns consistently stressed the importance of deterrence as a cornerstone of national security policy. She argued that a failure to respond to hostile acts emboldens adversaries and increases vulnerability. She repeatedly emphasized that a strong stance on issues like human rights and cyber security is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic necessity.

Conclusion:

The interview highlighted a significant divergence in perspectives regarding the UK’s approach to China. Kearns presented a critical assessment of the Prime Minister’s recent visit, arguing that the government’s focus on economic benefits has come at the expense of national security and the well-being of British citizens like Jimmy Lai. She advocated for a more assertive and transactional approach, prioritizing deterrence and demonstrating a willingness to utilize the UK’s economic leverage to address hostile acts and uphold human rights. The discussion also underscored the interconnectedness of national security concerns, encompassing threats from China, Iran, and Russia.