AS China’s malign influence continues to grow, there is worrying evidence they’ve got some powerful friends in the UK.

It’s now known that some influential and well paid figures sit on the Board of Huawei, the telecommunications company answerable to the Chinese state.

They include Lord Browne of Madingley, Sir Andrew Cahn, former head of UK Trade and Investment and Sir Mike Rake, former president of the Confederation of British Industry.

Other companies and friendly societies also exist to foster relations between China and the UK.

Johnny Patterson, Human Rights Director for Hong Kong Watch, says it’s “alarming” that some have been “sharing Chinese government propaganda lines with some of Britain’s top politicians.”

And, just to remind readers, it’s currently proposed that Huawei installs 35 per cent of our 5G network, although opposition to this is growing.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is subjected to draconian new security laws, which are a clear breach of the Sino-British agreement that promised the former colony autonomy for 50 years after the 1997 handover.

It’s a crackdown too far and, in response, we will allow almost three million holders of British National Overseas passports to live, work or study in the UK, with a view to possible full citizenship.

In response, the Chinese ambassador threatened the UK on Wednesday night.

He did not clarify the nature of that threat, but clearly they are rattled by the UK’s actions.

The fact we’ve had to intervene in Hong Kong on such a scale is extraordinary, yet, regrettably, this is not the first violation of international rules.

China’s human rights’ record is shocking and an early cover up and denial of the Covid-19 pandemic left the world horribly exposed.

Now a previously unknown swine flu, again emerging in China, has raised concerns.

Vigilance is needed.