The government has failed to deliver on its promise to pursue a consistent approach towards China and is instead making up policy “as it goes along”, MPs on the business committee have said.
The committee said in its report, external that decision-making had been characterised by “inconsistency” and was heightening national security risks.
It called on ministers to block the transfer of sensitive data to China, give businesses clear rules for doing trade with the super power and ban imports made using forced labour.
The business department said it disagreed with the report’s conclusion adding: “Our approach to China is consistent – we will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must.”
“We have placed our relationship on a more stable, balanced, long-term footing, and based it on a clear-eyed assessment of both the opportunities and the risks.
“Our trade strategy makes clear that we will capitalise on every opportunity to grow our economy while never compromising on our national security, and our increased discussions with China allows us to directly raise concerns where they arise.”
Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had sought to pursue a closer relationship with China, arguing that the UK could not afford to ignore economic opportunities, while insisting that should not mean compromising on national security.
However, efforts to build ties were criticised by some MPs concerned about China’s alleged spying activities in the UK.
An audit of the two countries’ relationship was carried out last year , externalbut the government has not published the document in full, saying it contained classified information.
Sir Keir’s successor Andy Burnham has yet to set out his position on relations with China.
