UK Government Affirms High Security for Wind Farms Amid Chinese Involvement Concerns
Downing Street reassures public regarding national security as China partners in major North Sea wind project.
Downing Street has confirmed that offshore wind farms in the UK are subject to the "highest levels of national security," in response to growing concerns over Chinese involvement in a significant North Sea project.
Reports indicate that Treasury ministers are considering allowing Chinese firm Mingyang Smart Energy to supply turbines for the Green Volt North Sea wind farm, a collaborative undertaking involving a Japanese company and an Italian-Norwegian firm.
The Green Volt project is anticipated to be the largest floating offshore wind farm in Europe.
The potential involvement of a Chinese firm has raised objections from the Ministry of Defence and other government bodies, with concerns centering on the risk that the Chinese state might exert control over power supply or utilize the wind farm infrastructure for surveillance purposes.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson addressed these concerns by emphasizing that investments in the energy sector undergo rigorous scrutiny to safeguard national interests.
The spokesperson stated, "I am not going to get into individual projects, but we will always act in the national interest to protect our national security."
The spokesperson also reiterated the government's stance towards China: "We’ve been clear that we’ll cooperate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must."
In a separate context, local community concerns have also emerged regarding plans for a new Chinese embassy in London.
The local council, Tower Hamlets, previously rejected the proposal, which is now awaiting a decision from government ministers.
This has prompted protests, attracting over 1,000 demonstrators expressing fears about security implications surrounding the embassy.
Protests at the former site of the Royal Mint featured participants from Hong Kong, Tibet, and Uighur communities, voicing slogans against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and advocating for free speech.
In relation to UK-China relations, Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited China in January to foster economic ties, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy is scheduled to engage with Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi this week in London, prior to the Munich Security Conference.
Discussions will reportedly focus on mutual interests, including international security matters and the geopolitical situation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Reports indicate that Treasury ministers are considering allowing Chinese firm Mingyang Smart Energy to supply turbines for the Green Volt North Sea wind farm, a collaborative undertaking involving a Japanese company and an Italian-Norwegian firm.
The Green Volt project is anticipated to be the largest floating offshore wind farm in Europe.
The potential involvement of a Chinese firm has raised objections from the Ministry of Defence and other government bodies, with concerns centering on the risk that the Chinese state might exert control over power supply or utilize the wind farm infrastructure for surveillance purposes.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson addressed these concerns by emphasizing that investments in the energy sector undergo rigorous scrutiny to safeguard national interests.
The spokesperson stated, "I am not going to get into individual projects, but we will always act in the national interest to protect our national security."
The spokesperson also reiterated the government's stance towards China: "We’ve been clear that we’ll cooperate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must."
In a separate context, local community concerns have also emerged regarding plans for a new Chinese embassy in London.
The local council, Tower Hamlets, previously rejected the proposal, which is now awaiting a decision from government ministers.
This has prompted protests, attracting over 1,000 demonstrators expressing fears about security implications surrounding the embassy.
Protests at the former site of the Royal Mint featured participants from Hong Kong, Tibet, and Uighur communities, voicing slogans against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and advocating for free speech.
In relation to UK-China relations, Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited China in January to foster economic ties, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy is scheduled to engage with Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi this week in London, prior to the Munich Security Conference.
Discussions will reportedly focus on mutual interests, including international security matters and the geopolitical situation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
