The UK is stopping the instalment of recent Chinese-made cameras in government buildings citing safety risks. Such Chinese companies may be subjected to China’s security laws, with Britain advising to disconnect them from core computer networks. According to The Straits Times, the government furthered that such cameras must be removed altogether in a written statement to Parliament.
Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden says the choice was made following a evaluation of “current and future potential safety risks related to the installation of visual surveillance systems on the government property.”
“The evaluate has concluded that, in gentle of the risk to the UK and the increasing functionality and connectivity of these systems, additional controls are required. Departments have therefore been instructed to cease deployment of such tools onto delicate websites, where it’s produced by corporations topic to the National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China. Since safety concerns are all the time paramount round these sites, we’re taking action now to prevent any security risks from materialising.”
In Ensured , the Chinese government responded to a video of a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester being assaulted on the consulate in Manchester by saying such protesters illegally entered the grounds.
According to Hong Kong Free Press, British police say a group of men got here out from the consulate during a peaceable demonstration and dragged one of the protesters inside the constructing and assaulted him. But Chinese international ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin says the protesters have been to blame.
“Violation of the peace and dignity of China’s overseas embassies and consulates will not be tolerated. The troublemakers illegally entered the Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester, endangering the safety of the premises.”
He then stated the UK should “earnestly fulfil its duties and take efficient measures to step up safety of the premises and personnel of the Chinese embassy and consulates.”