British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a sharp statement, directly calling China a “real threat to national security” for the United Kingdom. Speaking at the annual Lord Mayor’s Banquet at Guildhall, the Labour leader stressed that Beijing poses serious risks but called for a balanced approach that combines tough defense of interests with economic cooperation. This statement was one of the most candid remarks about China made by British leaders in recent years.
Starmer’s speech, traditionally devoted to foreign policy, took place against a backdrop of growing concerns about Chinese influence in Britain. The prime minister abandoned the previous “hot-cold” policy, which, according to him, undermined London’s position. “China is a nation of enormous scale, ambition, and ingenuity. It is a defining force in technology, trade, and global governance. At the same time, it poses national security threats to the UK,” Starmer said. He emphasized: “Protecting our security is non-negotiable, our first duty. We will not trade security in one area for economic access in another.”
This statement came after the collapse of the trial of two men accused of spying for China. In September 2025, the charges were dropped because the government refused to officially classify China as a threat at the time of the alleged crimes, which prevented the use of secret evidence. The incident drew criticism of Starmer’s cabinet, which was accused of being too soft on Beijing. Now, the prime minister has made it clear that such “loopholes” in policy will be closed.
Starmer did not go into detail, but his words echo recent warnings from British intelligence agencies. MI5 and GCHQ have repeatedly reported on the “epic scale” of Chinese espionage in the UK. According to intelligence reports, China has been hacking into secret government systems for a decade, attempting to gain access to critical infrastructure, including energy and defense. In October 2025, MI5 issued an alert to parliamentarians about Chinese agents targeting MPs and their staff.
Additional risks are associated with Beijing’s global actions: support for Iran and Russia, human rights violations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and attempts to influence British institutions through “united fronts” — a network of organizations infiltrating the economy and politics. Starmer mentioned that the UK will continue to impose sanctions on Chinese companies cooperating with Moscow in the energy sector and to crack down on cyberattacks.
The speech placed particular emphasis on the upcoming decision on the construction of China’s “super embassy” in London. Local authorities had previously blocked the project due to security risks, but now the government is leaning toward approval, provided that enhanced security measures are put in place. “We will be absolutely clear: in defense, AI, and critical infrastructure, we will always protect our security and economic interests,” the prime minister assured.
Despite his harsh words, Starmer insists on dialogue. “Not engaging with China is a dereliction of duty,” he said, emphasizing Beijing’s role in global trade and green energy. The prime minister announced a visit to China in 2026 — the first at this level since Theresa May’s visit in 2018. He called on businesses to develop ties in “low-risk” sectors such as finance, creative industries, and pharmaceuticals, promising support for exports.
This “two-pronged” strategy — tough on security and open on the economy — is designed to strengthen Britain’s position on the world stage. Starmer also criticized Brexit as an example of a “destructive, introverted” approach that has weakened the country in the face of challenges such as China.
In conclusion, Keir Starmer’s words highlight the dilemma of modern geopolitics: China is both a partner and a rival. How London will strike this balance will become clear in the coming months, especially against the backdrop of decisions on the embassy and the prime minister’s visit to Beijing. According to Starmer, Britain will not retreat in the face of a “chaotic world,” but will act with “strength, clarity, and sobriety.”