Chinese army recruits trained at elite UK academy
Members of China’s armed forces have had training at Sandhurst and RAF Cranwell, a minister has admitted amid growing alarm over Britain’s military ties with the country.
In the past five years, 31 Chinese citizens have received training at British military academies. The Sandhurst military academy and RAF Cranwell are among the elite institutions attended by members of the People’s Liberation Army.
It emerged last month that former RAF fast jet and helicopter pilots were being attracted by salaries of up to US$270,000 (NZ$454,000) to help Beijing develop its military tactics and technological capabilities. Serving personnel flying F-35 fighter jets, Typhoons and submarinehunting Merlins and Wildcats have been approached by China with offers of work, leading to alarm in Whitehall.
In addition it has come to light that Britain hosted members of the People’s Liberation Army to train at military bases in the UK until as recently as 2020. In 2016-17, two Chinese citizens were given initial officer training at Sandhurst and a year later eight others were inducted to the instructor course at RAF Cranwell. Other training included underwater demining at the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regiment and advanced command courses at the Defence Academy. In total, 31 Chinese personnel attended British military academies between 2016 and 2020.
James Heappey, the armed forces minister, disclosed the figures in response to a written question from Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the defence select committee. Heappey told the Commons that the training had happened ‘‘a few years ago’’ and the government had since revised its policy. He said nothing was taught that was ‘‘above the threshold of the Official Secrets Act’’.
Ellwood said ministers could not play down the threat from members of the People’s Liberation Army training at British military academies.
‘‘It’s very simplistic to say there’s nothing to see here,’’ he told The Times. ‘‘Of course they don’t have access to classified information. The problem isn’t so much that. It is the connections they make, the understanding of our protocols and doctrines and the fact they could potentially recruit others for the future.’’