UK Spy Chief Softens Tone on China, Citing Economic Ties Amid Growing Russia, Iran Threats
London, October 9, 2024 – Thehead of Britain’s MI5, Ken McCallum, has acknowledged the growing threats posed by Russia and Iran to the UK, but adopted a less aggressive stancetowards China, citing the economic interdependence between the two nations.
In his annual threat assessment report released on Monday, McCallum highlighted the increasing threat posed by Russia andIran, particularly in the wake of the Ukraine conflict and a rise in Iranian-backed plots against British citizens. He stated that over 750 Russian diplomats have been expelled from Europe since the war began, significantly weakening Russian intelligence capabilities.
We’ve kicked them out, we’ve kept them out, he said.
Regarding Iran, McCallum described the threat as increasing in scale and pace, with MI5 and British police responding to 20Iranian-backed plots since January 2022. These plots, he warned, pose a potential lethal threat to UK citizens.
However, when addressing China, McCallum’s tone shifted noticeably. While acknowledging China as a significant risk, he emphasized the importance of managing the relationship due to the strong economicties between the two countries.
China is different, he said. The UK’s economic relationship with China underpins our growth and therefore underpins our security.
McCallum’s remarks come amid a potential shift in the UK’s approach to China under the new Labour government. Reuters reported thatForeign Secretary David Lammy is planning a visit to China next week, aiming to restart relations between the two countries. Additionally, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a visit to China to resume trade and investment talks that were previously held annually.
The new Labour government is keen to correct the course of the previous government’shandling of China, said a British official quoted by Reuters.
While acknowledging the complexities of the relationship, McCallum emphasized that the UK’s strategic approach towards China requires careful consideration.
The choices are complex, and ministers rightly need to make big strategic judgments about our relationship with China, he said.
McCallum also highlighted the growing threat of terrorism from al-Qaeda and, particularly, the Islamic State.
Today’s Islamic State is not as powerful as it was a decade ago, but after being suppressed for a few years, they have resumed their efforts to export terrorism, he said,citing the March 2024 Moscow concert hall terror attack as an example of their capabilities.
The UK’s evolving approach to China, alongside the growing threats from Russia and Iran, presents a complex geopolitical landscape for the country. As the Labour government seeks to reset relations with China, the UK’ssecurity apparatus will need to navigate these challenges carefully.
References:
- Reuters. (2024, October 9). UK spy chief softens tone on China, citing economic ties amid growing Russia, Iran threats. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-spy-chief-softens-tone-china-citing-economic-ties-amid-growing-russia-iran-2024-10-09/
- Politico. (2024, October 8). UK spy chief warns of rising Russia, Iran threats, but softens tone on China. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/08/uk-spy-chief-warns-of-rising-russia-iran-threats-but-softens-tone-on-china-00106366
- The Observer. (2024, October 9).MI5 chief warns of growing threat from Russia and Iran, but softens tone on China. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/oct/09/mi5-chief-warns-of-growing-threat-from-russia-and-iran-but-softens-tone-on-china
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