Why SNP's decision to take MI5 warning about Chinese spies seriously is so important
As powerful dictatorships continue to push the boundaries, the democratic world must stand together
A letter from SNP minister Alyn Smith to every university and college in Scotland, essentially passing on an MI5 warning about Chinese espionage, is important for two main reasons.
The first is, of course, the content of the warning. It’s a reminder that, despite long-established trade links, China is ruled by a deeply hostile regime. It’s a source of cyber attacks, with a track record of stealing intellectual property and harassing dissidents.
Furthermore, the risk that its own people will start demanding democratic freedoms means this communist dictatorship is unlikely to change its tune. China may call itself a ‘People’s Republic’ and insist it is a democracy, but this Orwellian Newspeak is exposed by the lack of challenge to ‘president for life’ Xi Jinping.
Speaking to Vladimir Putin in 2023, a year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Xi said: “Right now there are changes the likes of which we haven’t seen for 100 years – and we are the ones driving these changes together.” Putin replied: “I agree.” Two tyrants celebrating the idea that things were going their way.
We’re on the same side
The second reason why Smith’s letter is important is that it shows an SNP minister treating a briefing from MI5 with the seriousness it deserves. At a time when nationalists have a tendency to paint Westminster as the source of all our troubles, this is significant.
In seeking to counter international espionage, the Scottish and UK governments really do need to work together, and that can only happen effectively if they trust each other and recognise that their shared values matter far more than the differences between them.
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Indeed, all true democrats need to pull closer together, particularly as the supposed ‘leader of the free world’, Donald Trump, continues to cast doubt on his commitment to the cause.
Trump was already seeking to buy votes in the upcoming midterm elections in the US with a $5,000 bribe to every adult in the country if the Republicans win. Under pressure over high energy costs, now he has chosen to suspend US sanctions on Russian diesel exports in order to reduce prices for Americans and boost his flagging popularity – effectively trying to buy votes with the lives of the innocent Ukrainians who will be killed by Russian bombs bought with the proceeds.
Whether SNP or Labour, Liberal or Conservative, when it really comes to the crunch, we’re all on the same side.
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