While the British army has long been training Ukrainian comrades to fight against Russia, military aid on the other side of the world is causing political unrest in London. According to media reports, several dozen former British fighter pilots have already been hired by the Chinese government to pass on their military tactical and technical know-how. The country’s military intelligence has been warned.
First, the “Guardian” reported on “very generous” bait offers to about 30 former helicopter and jet fighter pilots. The veterans may have contacted the Chinese government through a flight school in South Africa. However, according to the report, there is still no evidence that the former members of the military have betrayed military secrets.
First contacts in 2019
Chinese headhunters became active for the first time in 2019. After the end of the strict Covid 19 measures, efforts are said to have intensified. Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to transform his People’s Liberation Army into a leading military force by 2049. Apparently this also includes alignment with NATO command structures and defense alliance tactics. According to reports, China is not only interested in British veterans, but also in other Western veterans.
However, most attention is focused on UK citizens due to the looser legal situation regarding such training activities abroad. However, the London government wants to “minimize the risks” following “warnings” from military intelligence, as it said. A new law should not only amend the confidentiality obligations of serving and retired soldiers, but also provide new sanction mechanisms for violators. Conservative MP and former soldier Tobias Ellwood even called for British veterans who coach in China to be stripped of British citizenship.
Fighting Taiwan and the West
Beijing’s recruiting program is geopolitically explosive, especially given the Taiwan issue. Xi said in his opening address at the Communist Party convention on Sunday that China “will never commit to renounce the use of force” on the Taiwan issue. He also condemned the alleged foreign interference in Taiwan. China is waging a “major fight against separatism and interference”.
Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunited with the mainland – if necessary by military force. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has raised fears that Beijing could use a similar approach in its relations with Taiwan. The United States has repeatedly stressed that it will assist Taiwan in the event of an attack. The People’s Liberation Army wants to be prepared for this support – also with foreign aid.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
