Damning spy watch report warns UK efforts to stop Chinese threat are 'completely inadequate'

The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), which oversees the work of spy agencies including MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, has said UK had 'systematically failed to think long-term' and details 'serious' shortcomings

Rishi Sunak is under pressure after the damning findings of the Intelligence and Security Committee (

Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

The British spy watchdog has warned in a damning report that the government's efforts to deal with the threat posed by China have been 'wholly inadequate' and are now 'playing catch-up'.

The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), which oversees the work of spy agencies including MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, said the UK had "systematically failed to think long term".

Detailing serious flaws in the government's approach, the report raises concerns about universities and China's intention to become a 'permanent' player in Britain's nuclear industry.

Published today, the report highlights that China's spy apparatus is one of the largest in the world - 'dwarfing' UK agencies - and targets interests "profitably and aggressively".

Committee MPs also warn that without "swift and decisive action" on the threat posed by China in industry and technology, the country is on the path to a "nightmare scenario".

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This could include China stealing blueprints, making products and setting standards while "exerting political and economic influence at every step".

MPs warn of a 'completely inadequate' government response to threats posed by President Xi Jinping's China (

Picture:

POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“This poses a serious business challenge, but can also pose an existential threat to liberal democratic systems,” they add.

The report reveals that the Director General of MI5 told Committee MPs that the rise of China presents the "central intelligence challenges for us over the next decade".

The 200-page report is scathing in its assessment of the UK's approach to Beijing, with experts telling MPs the government has 'no strategy on China, let alone least an effective strategy".

They said the resources to deal with the threat posed by China were "completely inadequate" with "no evidence" that Whitehall has the "necessary resources" or expertise...