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Cabinet ministers believe Sir Keir Starmer’s national security adviser is too close to China and his position is increasingly unsustainable

Jonathan Powell faces mounting scrutiny over his relationship with Beijing after a China spy trial collapsed last month

Before entering No 10, Powell made several visits to China, including one in which he met the most senior diplomat, and said that Britain wanted to “enhance” its relationship with Beijing in pursuit of a “stable, practical and long-term partnership”

One cabinet minister said that Powell was too soft on China and risked undermining Britain’s security interests. “I am concerned that a narrative builds up that we are not strong enough on China,” they said. “Our strategic approach to China [under Powell] is a little bit fuzzy.

“He has become almost like a cabinet minister in that the focus is on him and his policy positions, which is never really a great situation to be in as a non-elected official.”

Another said he had become a lightning rod for criticism, while a third said Powell was from a 'different era'. 'He thinks you can ride both horses,' they said, 'That you can have the economic benefits of the relationship with China while managing the security risk. You can’t and he’s wrong. They are completely entwined because China takes a whole state approach. It isn’t sustainable.'

https://t.co/6sBAK0lvj3