UK's China strategy woefully inadequate, former head of Armed Forces warns

The UK Government's stated strategy for dealing with China is "woefully inadequate", a former head of the Armed Forces has warned.

Lord Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff from 2006 to 2010 and a former RAF commander, added that it was "breathtakingly complacent" to suggest that national security law be applied in a "country agnostic" way – that is not taking a stand, especially not holding either of two usually strongly opposed positions.

The independent crossbench peer made his comments as the House of Lords debated the Government's position on the long-term strategic challenges posed by China.

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Lord Stirrup highlighted a report from the International Relations and Defence Committee, which claimed there was a "strategic void" when it came to China.

The Government's response to the report acknowledged that "aspects of China's approach to the multilateral system run counter to UK interests and values".

It added: "We will continue to take targeted action with international partners to defend universal human rights, free and fair trade, and ensure that in areas such as emerging technology or space, new rules, norms and standards enable freedom and democracy to survive and thrive."

But Lord Stirrup told peers: "This is woefully inadequate. It makes the whole thing sound like a piece of peripheral business.

"In fact, we are, or we certainly should be, engaged in a fierce contest to determine the rules of the international order under which we will have to live and operate for most of the rest of this century.

"Very few things could be more central to our future welfare and prosperity and securing the right outcome should be one of the highest foreign policy priorities for the UK."

He added: "The Government's response to the committee's report said that the (2019) National Security and Investment Act is 'country agnostic'.

"Well, that might be true with regard to the wording of the Act, but to suggest the same is true of its application seems to me to be breathtakingly complacent."

However, he welcomed that Tory frontbencher Earl Howe appeared "somewhat more robust" on the point.

Human rights campaigner Lord Alton highlighted the "alarming" finding in the report that China has been able to penetrate every sector of the UK economy and that Chinese money was readily accepted by the Government "with few questions asked".

What is more, he noted that external experts claimed the Government "did not have any strategy on China, let alone an effective one".

The independent crossbench peer added: "Since 2021, there have continued to be inconsistencies, mixed messaging and inadequate responses on behalf of the Government to the threats posed by the CCP regime."

He asserted that there has been a "push me pull you approach worthy of Doctor Dolittle" and criticised the Government for believing it can "make more trade deals with a regime accused of genocide against Muslim Uighurs".

Highlighting human rights abuses in Tibet, Hong Kong and Xinxiang, he urged the Government to reduce the UK's dependency on China, with whom it had a significant trade deficit, and enhance trade with countries that share its values.

Earl Howe acknowledged the "epoch-defining and systemic challenge that China presents in terms of military, diplomatic and economic activity".

He told peers that the Government's strategy revolves around three priorities: protecting national security, aligning with allies and partners, and engaging with China where it is in the UK's interests to do so.

Foreign Office minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said: "The first duty of any government is to keep our country safe. Where tensions arise with other objectives on China, we will always put national security first."

On actions the Government is taking, he said: "The new powers in the National Security Act makes the UK a harder target for those states, not just China, who seek to conduct hostile acts against the UK.

"This includes foreign interference in our political system, espionage, sabotage and acts that endanger life."

Finally, on the issue of human rights, the minister said: "When (trade minister) Lord Johnson (of Lainston) visited, he did use opportunities, in particular those with the media, to speak against the erosion of rights within China, particularly in Hong Kong.

"And as we balance our relationship with China, it is important that we call these particular issues out."