A Call for Action
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a senior Conservative MP, has urged the UK government to impose economic sanctions on China following allegations that the country hacked the Ministry of Defence. He believes there is internal conflict within the government on how to handle China, with the Foreign Office hesitant due to business interests, while the Ministry of Defence advocates for a more assertive approach.
Sir Iain criticized the government's integrated review, which initially labelled China a "systemic threat" but later softened the language to an "epoch-defining challenge." He argued that China's actions, including the alleged cyberattack and its responsibility for the COVID-19 pandemic, clearly demonstrate its threat to democracy and human rights.
He pointed to the FBI's assessment of China having the largest cyber warfare unit in the world and its stated goal of dismantling democracy and returning the world to autocracy. He also highlighted the delayed confirmation of China's involvement in hacking the Electoral Commission and numerous MPs, suggesting a reluctance to confront China due to potential economic repercussions.
Sir Iain emphasized the need for immediate action, including imposing sanctions on China and aligning with the US in its stance against the country. He believes that failing to address China's threat will have severe consequences for democracy and freedom worldwide.