China-UK relations post-Brexit.
Controversy over whether to allow Chinese telecoms firm Huawei to participate in constructing the United Kingdom’s 5G telecommunications infrastructure has put relations with China back under the spotlight. The United Kingdom since 2015 has made determined efforts to strengthen relations with China, with exports and investment the major goals. This became harder as Brexit consumed the government’s attention.
As Chinese firms move into high-quality and high-tech goods and services, they will compete with UK firms across more markets.
Post-Brexit trade agreements with China and the United States could become an arena of competition.
Cybersecurity, espionage and ‘interference’ will be the main areas where London shares Washington’s security concerns vis-a-vis China.
As China becomes a global military power it could eventually feature more prominently in UK defence policy.
