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Britain published this month a bill giving ministers
far-reaching power to intervene in corporate deals which could
threaten national security, the culmination of years of growing
concern about Chinese and other foreign investment in key
industries.
Launched with the slogan "China. See the Potential. Know the
Challenge" the government website is designed as a guide for
digital and tech firms, encouraging good practice and raising
awareness of potential issues.
"The UK is determined to support our businesses to engage with
China in a way that reflects the UK’s values and takes account
of national security concerns," digital and culture minister
Caroline Dinenage said in a statement.
Alongside case studies, guides on how to conduct due diligence
and links to specialist consultancies, the site contains some
stark warnings.
"There is a risk that your company’s technology could be used to
violate human rights," said a section on ethical risks,
highlighting concerns about facial recognition software
censorship, and mass surveillance among other concerns.
Another section warns: "Taking legal steps to protect your IP
(Intellectual Property) in China is important, but you should
also consider your cybersecurity."
Earlier this year, ministers blocked Chinese firm Huawei
Technologies Co Ltd from parts of the UK's telecoms network over
concerns about spying. Huawei has said the concerns are
groundless.
Under a new law put forward on Tuesday telecoms companies could
be fined up to 10% of turnover or 100,000 pounds ($133,140) a
day if they contravene a ban on using equipment made by Huawei.
(Reporting by William James; editing by Michael Holden)
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