UK seeks to block Chinese recruitment of British military pilots

AFP FILE PHOTO

LONDON — The Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday it was taking steps to stop China trying to recruit serving and former British military pilots to train Chinese armed forces.

The BBC reported on Tuesday that up to 30 former military pilots had gone to train members of China’s People’s Liberation Army.

“We are taking decisive steps to stop Chinese recruitment schemes attempting to headhunt serving and former UK Armed Forces pilots to train People’s Liberation Army personnel in the People’s Republic of China,” a Ministry of Defense spokesperson said in a statement.

The department said it was “reviewing the use of confidentiality contracts and non-disclosure agreements,” highlighted that all British military personnel were subject to secrecy laws, and said already-announced new legislation would also help address the situation.

RELATED STORIES

New British PM Truss brings tougher UK stance on China

Xi decade reshapes China’s military, and the region