"Keir Starmer, in Beijing this week, was more sanguine about his privacy, even though the security risks have, if anything, increased since the former Tory prime minister was in town. China has been accused of spying on parliament, has sanctioned British MPs and peers, engaged in severe cyber-attacks, adopted aggressive trade practices and generally been, in the government's own words, an epoch-defining challenge."
"After years of what Starmer has described as the ice age in relations between the UK and China, it was intended to begin the thaw. But for all the potential offered by closer ties with the world's second-biggest economy for a country desperate for growth, Beijing does not open the doors for nothing. While officials stress there was no political involvement, the UK's decision to green-light the new Chinese mega-embassy in London smoothed the way."
Theresa May received advice in 2018 to dress under the covers due to suspected hidden cameras in hotel rooms. Security risks have increased since then amid accusations that China spied on parliament, sanctioned British MPs and peers, mounted severe cyber-attacks, and pursued aggressive trade practices. Keir Starmer visited Beijing to begin a thaw after years of frozen relations, balancing national security concerns with opportunities for growth. The UK approved a new Chinese mega-embassy in London, which eased diplomatic access. Starmer received a ceremonial welcome, a lavish banquet, praise, and extended talks with President Xi. The trip yielded tangible gains including a visa waiver, whisky tariff cuts, and potential investment.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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