Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to tackle Chinese threats to UK security.

Our approach to China is comprehensive and coordinated across government, allowing us to robustly defend our values whilst preserving space for cooperation where our interests align.

Earlier this year, we introduced the National Security Bill to Parliament; this Bill will help us to respond to the evolving threat from hostile activity by any state targeting the UK’s democracy, economy and values by making the UK an even harder target for those who seek to conduct hostile acts against the UK.

The UK has also enhanced our economic security regime and taken robust action to build our domestic resilience. We have:

• Announced the application of Military End Use Controls to China as part of our revised export control regime, in order to prevent military programmes benefiting from our advanced technology and research by UK firms and institutions.

• Strengthened visa screening of academics and researchers in sensitive areas of research through the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

• Stepped up engagement with and guidance to our higher education and research sectors to alert them to potential risks.

• Launched the National Security and Investment Act, giving the government new powers to address national security risks arising from investment.

The refresh of the UK’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy will ensure that our approach continues to adapt to meet new challenges.