MPs say government is making up China policy "as it goes along"
MPs say government is making up China policy "as it goes along"
A committee of MPs has said the government failed to deliver on its promise of a consistent approach to China. The Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee published its report on 2 November 2026, and said decision-making on China had been marked by "inconsistency".
The committee's chair, Labour MP Liam Byrne, said ministers had promised clarity and consistency on China policy. The committee noted that in 2024 the government promised a new, strategic, long-term and consistent approach to the country. The committee said the government was making up its China policy "as it goes along", and that this inconsistency was heightening national security risks.
The committee said the lack of a coherent China strategy is hampering UK business, according to The Guardian. It said the lack of clear guidance makes it harder for businesses to take commercial decisions about the Chinese market. Worcester News carried the same point. MPs warned that making up policy in this way exposes the UK to economic risks, as the Independent reported.
An audit of the UK-China relationship was carried out last year. The government has not published the document in full, citing classified information.
The committee made several recommendations. It called on ministers to block the transfer of sensitive data to China, and to give businesses clear rules for trade with the country. It also called for a ban on imports made using forced labour. It proposed setting up "red" and "green" zones to mark where trade and investment with China would be encouraged and where it would be off limits.
On technology, the committee said low-cost Chinese connected technology, meaning internet-linked devices, had become widespread in the UK. It called for a ban on such devices being used in critical national infrastructure, the essential systems the country relies on.
The UK business department said it disagreed with the committee's conclusion. It said its approach to China was consistent, adding: "we will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must."
