Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Elmore and Bradley Thomas

Tuesday 1st September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Bradley Thomas (Bromsgrove) (Con)]

7. What assessment he has made of the level of threat China poses to UK interests.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Chris Elmore)]

This Government fully recognise that China poses a series of threats to UK national security, from cyber-attacks, foreign interference and espionage targeting our domestic institutions to the transnational repression of Hongkongers. Yet China, as the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s third largest trading partner, presents the UK with opportunities—not engaging is no choice at all. Our approach to China is consistent: we will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must.

[Bradley Thomas]

It is good to hear the Minister acknowledge that China is a threat. The directors of GCHQ and MI5 have been clear that China presents the most significant state-based threat to the UK. The Government have previously talked about their China audit; will they commit to publishing it in full?

[Chris Elmore]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, there have been a series of questions on this issue in recent times. I am happy to update him again in writing.