China and its affiliates have not been included in the highest category of the UK government’s new register designed to monitor covert foreign influence, despite growing concerns over Beijing’s espionage activities.
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The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which came into force today, aims to provide greater transparency into the operations of foreign states deemed a threat to national security. Under the legislation, individuals or organisations undertaking activities intended to influence political decisions on behalf of a foreign power are required to register with the Government.
Only Russia and Iran have been designated as “enhanced tier” threats—those posing the most significant security risks to the United Kingdom. As a result, any work conducted on their behalf, whether political in nature or not, must be formally declared. China, by contrast, has been left out of this top tier, meaning that agents working on its behalf are not subject to the same disclosure obligations.
The decision has raised eyebrows, particularly as it comes just days after Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that £600 million would be invested to strengthen UK intelligence capabilities aimed at countering China’s “growing threat”.
The funding announcement coincided with the publication of an official audit that concluded China’s activities targeting British democratic institutions and economic security had notably intensified in recent years.
Over the past year, allegations of Chinese interference in the UK have been frequent. Most recently, The Telegraph reported that Chu Ting Tang—a prominent businessman with a history of meeting prime ministers at No 10—has ties to a Chinese government department believed to serve as a front for espionage.
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Mr Tang, who was awarded an OBE in 2011 and organises the annual Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square, reportedly holds a senior role within an organisation linked to the United Front Work Department (UFWD). The UFWD is a key body in China’s global influence apparatus and has been accused of covert intelligence operations abroad.
Concerns have also been raised over alleged surveillance activity near Whitehall, where Chinese state actors are suspected of planting listening devices to monitor British politicians. In addition, China’s proposed “mega-embassy” in London has been criticised by some as a potential base for expanded espionage operations.
Despite these developments, the Government’s decision not to include China in the enhanced tier has sparked criticism from security experts who argue that it undermines efforts to counter foreign interference effectively.
As the FIRS begins its implementation phase, ministers are expected to face renewed pressure to revisit the classification criteria and consider whether China’s exclusion is justified in light of mounting intelligence.
