‘Overconfidence’ of Beijing risks conflict, warns MI6 chief

Danger of miscalculation is high now China brooks no dissent, Richard Moore says in first speech in role

‘The Chinese Communist Party leadership increasingly favour bold and decisive action, particularly on national security grounds’

THE MI6 chief has warned that Chinese “overconfidence” could lead to conflict, as he says tackling Beijing is his service’s priority.

The days of former Chinese premier Deng Xiaoping’s “hide your strength, bide your time” are well over, Richard Moore said, warning that Beijing now “brooks no dissent”.

In his first public speech since taking over as the head of the Secret Intelligence Service, Mr Moore said MI6 was increasingly focused on the threat from a belligerent China.

“Adapting to a world affected by the rise of China is the single greatest priority for MI6,” he said. “The Chinese Communist Party leadership increasingly favour bold and decisive action, particularly on national security grounds.

“Beijing believes its own propaganda about Western frailties and underestimates Washington’s resolve.

“The risk of Chinese miscalculation through overconfidence is real.”

Speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, the head of Britain’s overseas intelligence agency outlined the risk posed by China’s rush to develop novel technologies.

He said China’s “surveillance state” targeting the Uyghur population in Xinjiang had carried out widespread human rights abuses, including the arbitrary detention of an estimated one million Muslims.

“Worryingly, these technologies of control and surveillance are increasingly being exported to other governments by China: expanding the web of authoritarian control around the planet,” Mr Moore added.

He warned countries that had bought Chinese technology or accepted investment in infrastructure projects of potential pitfalls when dealing with China. He said: “We want other countries to be clear-eyed about the debt traps, data exposure and vulnerability to political coercion that arise from dependency on relationships where there is no recourse to an independent judiciary or free press.”

One of MI6’S most immediate concerns is China’s attitude towards Taiwan. Mr Moore said Beijing’s growing military strength and the party’s desire to resolve the Taiwan issue by force if necessary also pose a serious challenge to global stability and peace.

Elsewhere in his speech, Mr Moore highlighted how China was increasingly turning the power of its surveillance state on countries overseas, including Britain.

Turning to Russia, Mr Moore said he had “a deep respect for Russia’s history and culture and people”.

“The current difficult relationship with Russia is not the one the UK wants. But we will do whatever it takes to keep our country safe and to deter and defend against a full spectrum of threats Moscow poses,” he added.

Richard Moore warned of miscalculation