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China: National Security

Asked by Dr Neil Shastri-HurstConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 7 May 2025UIN 48706

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Government is taking to (a) assess and (b) help tackle the potential risk of threats posed by the People's Republic of China on the United Kingdom's (i) national security, (ii) cyber security, (iii) economic influence and (iv) military capabilities.

Answered by Dan Jarvis

We have a broad suite of powers available to respond to state threats. This includes measures in the National Security Act 2023 which make the UK a harder target for those states which seek to conduct hostile acts, as well as the National Security and Investment Act 2021 which gives the government powers to scrutinise and intervene in business transactions, where necessary and proportionate, to protect national security.

We are taking a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China. We will co-operate where we can; compete where we need to; and challenge where we must, including on issues of national security.

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