Chinese Espionage: Parliament Debate
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Lord Bishop of Leeds
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Chinese Espionage: Parliament
Lord Bishop of Leeds Excerpts(1 day, 15 hours ago)
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Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
The noble Lord is famous for asking such straightforward and easy questions. The Government are clear that our relationship with China is complex: we are to compete, to challenge and to co-operate. Choosing not to engage with China is no choice at all. Let us be clear: state agents of the Chinese Government have acted in ways that pose a potential threat to the United Kingdom. We continue to have conversations and to engage in a collaborative way with our Five Eyes partners to counter that challenge.
The Lord Bishop of Leeds
My Lords, can the Minister confirm that spying by the Chinese is not a new phenomenon but has been conducted under previous Governments as well?
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
The right reverend Prelate makes a very important point, including in relation to this case, which allegedly occurred under the previous Government. China and other nations seeking to get information and access to Members of your Lordships’ House is nothing new.