UK Govt to Invest $1b to Combat Rise in Chinese Espionage

Chinese spying and attempts by Beijing to undermine Britain's democracy and economy have risen in recent years, the UK government said on June 24 in a report on the Asian giant.

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LONDON –

British Foreign Minister David Lammy told Parliament the Labour administration would invest £600 million (S$1 billion) in its intelligence services as a result of the findings.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer commissioned an "audit" of Britain's relations with Beijing after he swept to power in a landslide general election win in July 2024.

The report recommended high-level engagement with China for a "trade and investment relationship" but also building "resilience" against threats posed by Beijing.

"We understand that China is a sophisticated and persistent threat", but "not engaging with China is therefore no choice at all", Mr Lammy told MPs.