Intelligence Squared The Sunday Debate: China, friend or foe?
Oct 17, 2021
Join Martin Wolf, a global economics commentator, Keyu Jin, an expert on China's economy, and former British Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind as they unpack the pressing question: Is China a friend or foe? They explore the diverging values between China and the West, the complexities of China's economic landscape, and the implications of geopolitical tensions. The discussion also highlights youth aspirations versus nationalism in China and the need for a balanced, pragmatic approach to engaging with this superpower amid rising global stakes.
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End of the Golden Era
- The "golden era" of UK-China relations has soured due to China's economic problems and Western anxieties.
- Policymakers now view China's rise as a strategic threat, fearing its economic and technological advancements.
Competition and Access
- China's economic success is partly due to fierce domestic competition, not just market access restrictions.
- However, concerns about limited access for foreign companies, especially in technology, remain valid.
Huawei in the UK
- The UK's unique position involves Huawei's existing integration into its critical national infrastructure through British Telecom.
- A dedicated cell, staffed by British intelligence, monitors Huawei's operations for security threats.