Is the SNPs Scotland a Chinese Trojan Horse?
Is Scotland on the verge of becoming China’s Trojan Horse within the United Kingdom? This question is neither rhetorical nor exaggerated. As the Scottish National Party (SNP) continues to push for independence, there is mounting concern that the party is either naively or deliberately opening the door to undue Chinese influence. This article will delve into some examples of the SNP’s relationship with China, examining whether the party is complicit or simply foolish in its dealings.
Steeling the Spotlight
Nicola Sturgeon, the disgraced former First Minister of Scotland, has openly admitted that Chinese steel was used to construct new Scottish ferries and the Queensferry Crossing. While this may seem minor, it’s a glaring example of how Scotland is increasing its dependency on China. The use of Chinese steel undermines local industry and raises questions about the SNP’s commitment to Scottish businesses. The decision was described as a “missed opportunity” for Scotland, which could have used local materials and labour for these significant infrastructure projects (Scottish Financial News, 2021).
Secret Deals and Dodgy Donors
The SNP has for many years faced accusations of engaging in secret deals with China involving party donors, which raises questions about the party’s transparency and accountability. In one instance, the SNP’s Economy Secretary had to publicly apologise for a sham £10 billion deal with China, which was described as
“nothing more than a memorandum of understanding” (Herald Scotland, 2017).
Such incidents tarnish the party’s reputation and cast doubt on its ability to conduct foreign policy in a manner that safeguards Scotland’s interests.
The Port of Contention
One of the most alarming suggestions is that from SNP economic advisors Mark Blyth that an independent Scotland might offer China a port in exchange for investment.
https://x.com/staylorish/status/1433769846395834369?s=20
This is not merely a commercial transaction; it’s a strategic move that could have far-reaching implications. The historical example of Australia leasing the Port of Darwin to a Chinese company for 99 years serves as a cautionary tale. The deal raised eyebrows and led to a national debate on the security implications of such a move. Tom Tugendhat, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, has explicitly stated that
“Scotland is seen as a weakness in the UK that Chinese influence can exploit” (Tugendhat, 2021).
Manipulation Techniques
China is known for using soft power to gain influence, and the SNP is playing right into this strategy. The SNP have been keen to align themselves at times with almost anyone opposed to the NATO aegis and Western post-war settlement. While Alex Salmond was admiring Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Tasmin was visiting Iran – Nicola Sturgeon was actively developing cultural links with China.
This move may seem innocuous, but it is part of a larger pattern of China using cultural diplomacy to gain a foothold in foreign countries. The SNP’s willingness to accept Chinese investment and engage in cultural exchanges makes them susceptible to economic and political coercion, a classic manipulation technique employed by powerful nations to gain leverage over smaller entities (Glasgow Times, 2018).
The Glasgow Connection: A Shadowy Presence
Amidst the SNP’s dealings with China, a particularly unsettling revelation has emerged: the existence of a secret Chinese police station in Glasgow. According to reports, this clandestine outpost was set up by a Chinese state body to influence foreign politicians and control expatriates (Herald Scotland, 2023). Nicola Sturgeon held talks about the station with Police Scotland after the allegations came to light.
Communications obtained under freedom of information laws revealed that Sturgeon had previously been invited to events by organisations linked to this alleged secret police presence (Herald Scotland, 2023).
This raises serious questions about the SNP’s awareness and handling of Chinese influence within Scotland. Luke de Pulford, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China’s executive director, stated that “an inquiry is long overdue,” especially considering the “murky connections between the Chinese Communist Party and Scottish elites” (Herald Scotland, 2023).
The existence of such a station, whether the SNP was aware of it or not, adds another layer of complexity and concern to the party’s relationship with China. It serves as a stark reminder that the threat of Chinese influence is not just economic or political; it’s also a matter of national security that could have far-reaching implications for Scotland and the UK at large.
Expert Insights
Experts have voiced their concerns regarding the SNP’s relationship with China. Tom Tugendhat has criticised the SNP for showing “a lack of understanding of how foreign policy works” (Tugendhat, 2021). Similarly, an analysis in The Spectator pointed out Nicola Sturgeon’s “dismal failure to stand up to China,” highlighting the party’s inability to navigate the complexities of international relations (The Spectator, 2021).
Serious Questions
The SNP’s relationship with China raises serious questions about their ability to safeguard Scotland’s interests. The recent arrest of a UK parliamentary researcher on suspicion of spying for China is a stark reminder of the real threat of Chinese espionage (The Guardian, 2023). While the researcher has claimed innocence, the incident has heightened scrutiny of China’s influence and interference in UK politics (BBC, 2023). This development should serve as a wake-up call for the SNP, which has been either complicit or naive in its dealings with China.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has called for the Scottish and UK governments to conduct an “immediate” strategic audit on the reach of China’s influence in Scotland. Cole-Hamilton’s call for a strategic audit is timely and crucial. He expressed deep concern over the “worrying evidence of Chinese interference in the operation of our parliamentary democracy.” The Liberal Democrats have been warning about the reach of Chinese influence for some time, and this incident serves as a stark reminder that complacency is not an option. Both the Scottish and UK governments must conduct an immediate assessment to gauge the extent of China’s influence in Scotland. This is not just about one arrest; it’s about the broader implications for Scotland’s and the UK’s national security (Press Association News, 2023).
These new developments add another layer of urgency to the SNP’s need for transparency and caution in its dealings with China. Whether it’s the potential for economic dependency, secret police stations, or the very real threat of espionage, the risks are manifold and significant. The SNP must act swiftly to address these concerns, ensuring that Scotland’s sovereignty and the UK’s national security are not compromised.
The Intelligence and Security Committee has stated that China has a “high level of intent to interfere with the UK government, targeting officials and bodies at a range of levels to influence UK political thinking and decision-making relevant to China” (BBC, 2023). This includes encouraging individuals whose views align with the Chinese Communist Party to seek political office.
Given the SNP’s openness to Chinese investment and cultural exchange, there is a risk that Chinese interests could manipulate the party, either wittingly or unwittingly.
While the SNP may be complicit in allowing Chinese influence, it’s equally damaging if they are being manipulated. In either scenario, the party’s actions or inactions could seriously affect Scotland’s sovereignty and the UK’s national security.
The SNP must take immediate steps to reassess its foreign policy approach and be transparent with the Scottish people about its international dealings. The threat of Chinese espionage is not just a theoretical concern; it’s a current and pressing issue that requires immediate attention.
Whether complicit or foolish, the SNP must comprehensively reassess its foreign policy approach. There may be an opportunity for ‘continuity candidate’ Humza Yousaf to distance himself from his increasingly suspect predecessor.
It’s high time for the Scottish people to demand transparency and accountability in their government’s international dealings. The question remains: is Scotland willing to trade its thistle for a dragon? The answer to that question could shape not just the future of Scotland but also the integrity of the United Kingdom as a whole.
References
– Tugendhat, T. (2021). SNP’s relationship with China and Russia criticised. Standard.https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/snp-tom-tugendhat-peter-murrell-russia-china-b1077727.html
– Scottish Financial News. (2021). Using Chinese steel for Queensferry Crossing was a missed opportunity. https://www.scottishfinancialnews.com/articles/using-chinese-steel-for-queensferry-crossing-was-a-missed-opportunity
– Herald Scotland. (2017). SNP Economy Secretary apologises for sham £10bn China deal. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15190603.snp-economy-secretary-apologises-sham-10bn-china-deal/
– Glasgow Times. (2018). Nicola Sturgeon developing cultural links between Scotland and China. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/16163645.nicola-sturgeon-developing-cultural-links-scotland-china
– The Spectator. (2021). Nicola Sturgeon’s dismal failure to stand up to China. https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/nicola-sturgeon-s-dismal-failure-to-stand-up-to-china
The Guardian. (2023). UK parliamentary researcher arrested for alleged Chinese spying says he is innocent. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/11/uk-parliamentary-researcher-arrested-for-alleged-chinese-spying-says-he-is-innocent
BBC. (2023). UK politics and the threat of Chinese espionage. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66779117
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