Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, highlighted that while China remains a "major risk," a more nuanced approach is necessary given the complex and multi-dimensional relationship between the UK and China.

According to China’s Observers Network, citing a Reuters report, McCallum delivered MI5's annual threat assessment at a press conference in London on October 8. He reported that since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, more than 750 Russian diplomats have been expelled from Europe, which has considerably weakened Russia’s intelligence capabilities. “Expel them, shut them out,” he declared.

Addressing Iran, McCallum warned of an escalating threat to the UK, describing it as growing at an "unprecedented scale and speed." Since January 2022, MI5 and British police have thwarted 20 Iranian-backed plots posing potentially lethal threats to UK citizens.

In contrast, McCallum’s remarks on China were notably more measured. Politico, a US-based news outlet, noted that McCallum remarked, “China is different.” He explained that the economic ties between China and the UK are integral to Britain’s growth and, consequently, its security.

Nevertheless, McCallum reiterated that China remains “a major risk,” emphasizing the need for careful management of certain aspects of the bilateral relationship. When questioned about the perceived "lack of criticism" toward China, he clarified that he was not minimizing the severity of the Chinese threat, asserting that MI5’s focus “remains unchanged.” He added, “The decisions are complex, and it is up to ministers to make strategic judgments regarding our relationship with China.”

McCallum also highlighted the growing threat of terrorism, particularly from al-Qaida and ISIS. “Although ISIS is not as strong as it was a decade ago, after years of suppression, they have resumed efforts to export terrorism,” he stated, referencing the terrorist attack at a Moscow concert hall in March as a “brutal demonstration of that capability.”

Notably, the UK’s new Labour government appears to be indicating a shift in its China policy. On October 9, Reuters reported, citing four sources, that British Foreign Minister David Lammy plans to visit China next week, aiming to reset UK-China relations. Additionally, British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is also considering a visit in the near future to restart what was intended to be annual trade and investment discussions between the two countries.

British officials quoted by Reuters indicated that the Labour government seeks to rectify the previous administration's overly confrontational approach towards China while acknowledging that fundamental differences persist in certain areas.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated on July 5 that China’s stance on UK relations remains consistent and clear. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global economies, stable and mutually beneficial relations between China and the UK are fundamentally in the interests of both nations. Such relations, she noted, also enable the two countries to jointly address global challenges and promote peace and development. China, she stated, is willing to work with the UK to maintain positive bilateral relations based on mutual respect and cooperation.




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