British media reports indicate that Chinese state-sponsored hackers allegedly targeted the mobile phones of senior aides to multiple UK prime ministers over several years. These claims emerge just as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares for a high-stakes diplomatic visit to China aimed at revitalizing economic ties.
The Telegraph reported on Monday that sophisticated hacking operations linked to the Chinese state successfully breached the mobile devices of high-ranking officials within Downing Street. These security compromises are said to have occurred across various administrations, highlighting a long-term pattern of digital espionage directed at the heart of the British government. While the report details extensive interference, the Chinese government has yet to issue an official response to these specific allegations of state-sponsored cyberattacks.
The timing of these revelations is particularly sensitive as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to travel to China from January 28 to January 31. This visit marks the first time a British leader has made the trip since 2018, signaling a significant attempt to stabilize a relationship that has been frosty for years. Starmer is looking to find common ground with Beijing even as international relations remain complicated by shifting alliances and geopolitical tensions.
During the visit, Starmer is slated to meet with President Xi Jinping to discuss the future of the bilateral relationship. The British delegation is not limited to diplomats; the Prime Minister will be joined by Business Secretary Peter Kyle and a large group of corporate executives. This heavy business presence underscores the mission's primary goal of securing new avenues for British industry and attracting Chinese investment back into the United Kingdom.
Specifically, the UK is seeking to expand its footprint in the Chinese market for key exports such as financial services, automotive manufacturing, and Scotch whisky. There is also a strong interest in gaining access to advanced Chinese technology to bolster British infrastructure and innovation. These economic ambitions represent a pragmatic shift toward engagement, despite the ongoing security concerns raised by the intelligence community.
As the delegation prepares to depart, the duality of the UK-China relationship remains on full display. On one hand, the British government is aggressively pursuing a thaw in relations to benefit the national economy and secure a foothold in the world's second-largest market. On the other hand, the claims of persistent hacking serve as a stark reminder of the underlying friction and security risks that continue to define the interaction between London and Beijing.
Source: China Allegedly Hacked Downing Street Phones For Years