Clifford Hill considers the possible long-term implications of the recent deals with China, arguing for the need for spiritual discernment.

The deal struck between China and the British Government allowing China to be involved in the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset is a landmark in relationships between the two countries. But who does it benefit and are there any long-term disadvantages?

David Cameron certainly laid on a royal reception for Chinese President Xi Jinping's four-day visit to Britain, during which he was hosted by the Queen in Buckingham Palace and red carpet was laid out in Downing Street for his visit to Number 10.

Many people in Britain will be surprised that such a reception was given to the leader of a Communist dictatorship with an abysmal human rights record and a reputation for the brutal repression of dissenters.

Courting Chinese Business

The way had been prepared for this visit by Chancellor George Osborne's trade mission to China last month in which he secured a number of business deals with the world's second-largest economy.

China already invests heavily in property in Britain and Chinese firms are currently in the process of purchasing a number of British businesses and even Independent Schools (such as the deal struck last year to acquire the prestigious Chase Grammar School in Staffordshire, where boarding fees are £36,600 a year).

Steel Politics

Xi Jinping's visit to Britain comes at the same time as workers across Britain are dismayed by news of steel plant closures caused by China's action in flooding the world market with cheap steel, resulting from a slowdown in the Chinese economy and their refusal to cut back production.¹ Two months ago the Chinese took stock markets by surprise, devaluing their currency three times, making their export products even cheaper and showing how little they care for the health and well-being of other economies.

The European Union has already taken steps to impose additional import duties on steel from China and similar measures are being considered by the US Government. But will the British Government have the strength and resolve to confront Chinese leaders about this issue at a time when the Conservatives are striving to complete big energy deals, or will they sacrifice the steelworkers in order to pursue their policy? How many thousand steelworkers will be thrown out of work? What is the price of 'Caring Conservatism'?

Whilst the Conservatives court Chinese business, British steelworkers are being dismayed by plant closures as China dumps cheap steel onto the global market.

Hinkley Point Power Station, SomersetSecurity Questions

Another big question is security. A number of MPs have raised concerns about the security risks of giving China a stake in British nuclear power. There are fears that if the Chinese design and build the reactors they could insert 'technical trapdoors' into the reactor systems.

This would enable them to override British controls, or even shut down the plant in the event of any diplomatic dispute between the two countries - such as that which occurred in 2012 when Britain hosted the Dalai Lama, who China dislikes (and who, coincidentally, recently criticised Britain's policy toward China as "Money, money, money – where is morality?"²).

Bernard Jenkin MP, chairman of the Commons Public Administration Committee, was quoted in The Times³ saying "In 2014 the Prime Minister assured the Joint Committee on National Security 'there is going to be a proper NSC consideration of this' and this was welcomed, but there is no indication that ministers have asked for or received a comprehensive analysis or assessment of the risks." He called for the Government to publish a risk assessment for the scrutiny of MPs or a full Parliamentary Select Committee will undertake the task.

Calls have been made for a proper risk assessment to be carried out by the Government, because of concerns over security.

Peng Liyuan, China's First LadyXi Jinping and his famous pop-singer wife are popular with ordinary Chinese people although she entertained the troops in Tiananmen Square soon after they had massacred pro-democracy demonstrators in 1989. He rose from poverty through the ranks to become head of the ruling Communist Party and China's most powerful leader since Deng Xiaoping. But his smiling face and the large sums of money his Government is prepared to invest in British nuclear power plants may not be good for Britain's long-term interests.

Need for Discernment

The big question is whether or not our present political leaders have sufficient spiritual discernment as well as business acumen in agreeing the terms of this deal. It is spiritual discernment that is called for in assessing the long-term prospects.

Those who are familiar with the history of Israel will remember the lack of discernment shown by King Hezekiah when a number of envoys visited Jerusalem from Babylon about 695 BC, long before the Babylonian Empire became a world power (see Isaiah 39). The King had recently recovered from a serious illness and the political leaders of Babylon sent a gift to him celebrating his recovery. That should have put Hezekiah on alert but instead it was all smiles and warm greetings all round. Hezekiah was so pleased to receive them that he showed them everything in his palace – all the gold and silver and treasures acquired by his illustrious forebears.

The prophet Isaiah was scathing in his rebuke because he foresaw the rising power of Babylon and the day when the Babylonian army would invade the towns and cities of Judaea. He saw the terrible havoc they would create through the destruction of Jerusalem - including the great Temple and the Palace of the King.

King Hezekiah was rebuked by Isaiah for accepting gifts from Babylonian envoys - Isaiah foresaw Babylon's coming rise to power.

Wisdom in Foreign Policy

Have our political masters really taken seriously their responsibility to seek the well-being of this nation by taking before God such a far-reaching matter as our relationship with China? This is where church leaders and politicians should work together, seeking the wisdom of God for our international relationships. The great danger facing Britain is that these deals are struck purely for short-term financial gain without due consideration of the long-term implications. This is where we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But only prayer-centred leaders of the nation can ensure making the right decisions.

References

1 Weldon, D. Why British steel is in crisis. BBC News, 21 October 2015.

2 Dearden, L. Dalai Lama on Britain's Policy Towards China. The Independent, 23 September 2015.

3 17 October 2015.