China Rebukes UK Over Drone Concerns, Urges Improved Relations

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on the relevant UK department to cease politicizing trade and security issues. They urged the UK to stop making unfounded accusations against Chinese high-tech companies and to focus on actions that would foster a healthy and stable relationship between China and the UK. This statement was made in response to reports of UK government concerns regarding the use of Chinese-made drones by British companies to capture images of important infrastructure.

The Chinese government maintains that it has never requested, nor will it ever request, any company to collect or store data in violation of the law. The Chinese side strongly opposes the UK's unsubstantiated suspicions and criticisms, which they believe lack a factual basis.

The remarks follow reports of UK government officials expressing concerns about the use of Chinese-made drones at critical national infrastructure sites. Some experts have noted that Chinese drones are widely used globally for civilian purposes, suggesting that the security concerns are largely politically motivated and lack concrete evidence of immediate threats. The timing of these accusations, coinciding with renewed attention on British Steel, highlights internal political discord and contradictions in the UK's approach to China.

Reports indicate that the role of Chinese companies and equipment in critical national infrastructure has been a focus in the UK. Companies like National Grid Plc, which operates the nation's electricity and gas networks, use drones made by Shenzhen-based DJI for various purposes. These drones have also been used in the construction of a nuclear power plant, to inspect solar farms, and by a water company to monitor reservoirs. This deployment comes despite a warning from the UK's National Protective Security Authority regarding the use of drones manufactured in countries with coercive data sharing practices.

Experts have noted a contradiction within the UK's current political climate. While some are seeking to expand trade with China, internal discord remains, particularly concerning national security. Some in the UK often approach engagement with China through an ideological lens, leading to unfounded accusations. This results in policies that are often logically inconsistent.

It is important for some UK politicians and media to consider the broader picture of deepening China-UK ties. They should avoid actions that undermine the overall momentum of improving bilateral relations.