UK Prioritizes 'Trade' Over 'National Security' — How Quaint
The FT suggests the UK stalled charges against a suspected Chinese spy, citing a 'significant political decision' to protect economic ties. This isn't just about trade over principle; it's a well-worn playbook. Western powers routinely overlook 'national security' threats from lucrative partners. Remember when Saudi Arabia's 'liberal reforms' overshadowed 9/11 connections or Khashoggi's murder for
lucrative arms deals? Or how the US-Israel relationship, fueled by billions in annual aid, conveniently sidesteps Israeli surveillance on American citizens, as highlighted by multiple intelligence reports over decades? Apparently, 'national security' is a fluid concept, tightening fiercely around perceived enemies we don't profit from, and loosening considerably for those who fill our coffers. The
UK appears to have calculated its 'security interests' based on GDP, not genuine threat assessment. The transparency of money always seems to brighten certain allegiances.