Despite growing pressure to label China a "threat," the government remains cautious, with no immediate plans to adopt this designation.

Sunak, addressing senior MPs, emphasized the UK's proactive measures compared to other countries, such as the reluctance to remove Huawei equipment or restrict sensitive technology exports to China.

He underscored China as the most significant state-level threat to the UK's economic security. The government, referring to China as an "epoch-defining challenge," faces calls from MPs, including Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Suella Braverman, for a more formal "threat" label.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden hinted at potential designation due to China's suspected involvement in cyber-attacks, though there's no formal mechanism for such a process in UK law or among G7 or Five Eyes allies. The UK's strategy regarding China, outlined in the integrated review, addresses it as a threat to economic security without specifying a threat designation.

The government is finalizing a foreign influence registration scheme, with no countries yet listed in its "enhanced" tier, which could mandate registration for foreign government-controlled entities operating in the UK.

Following the cyber-attacks, the UK announced sanctions against two Chinese nationals and a China-affiliated cyber-espionage group, prompting criticism from targeted MPs over the government's perceived weak response.

The sanctions, part of a coordinated effort with allies including the US, were announced after significant hacks, marking one of Britain's most severe cyber incidents.

The Chinese embassy's charge d'affaires was summoned in response, as China denies state involvement in the attacks and accuses the UK and US of politicizing cybersecurity and discrediting China.