The UK cannot avoid engaging with China – but the red lines need to be clear

Editorial: Our national security is paramount, whatever the benefits of doing business with Beijing

Rishi Sunak will be well aware of the ‘challenge’ posed by China – the word he prefers to use instead of ‘threat’ (PA Wire)

The issue of how to deal with China is a thorny one for Rishi Sunak. The prime minister has faced criticism from some senior Conservatives that he is going too far in seeking a relationship with Beijing, given the threat it poses – but there are clear economic benefits for the UK in sustaining a dialogue with the Chinese government.

The arrest of a parliamentary researcher on suspicion of spying for Beijing is a reminder that the UK has to set clear boundaries, and to make clear when a line is crossed. Mr Sunak clearly believes that he did so on the sidelines of the G20 summit in India, by confronting China’s premier Li Qiang directly in order to convey “his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UK’s parliamentary democracy”. Mr Li is understood to have responded by saying that the two leaders obviously have “differences in opinion” during the 20-minute conversation, which also touched on other areas such as trade.