Recently, the United Kingdom ** broke the news that the British National Grid removed the modules provided by Chinese companies on the grounds of "safety". At present, the British National Grid has not responded directly to the matter, only vaguely saying in a statement that it "attaches great importance to the safety of infrastructure and takes effective control measures". Some analysts pointed out that if this incident is true, the essence is that the British side is stigmatizing Chinese companies, hyping up the so-called "China threat", and creating obstacles for Chinese enterprises to develop overseas. However, the slap fell, and it was Britain itself that really hurt.
According to the Financial Times, employees of the Chinese company in question said that the company had discussed cybersecurity issues with National Grid in the past and "found no problems", and engineers also conducted tests and "did not see any potential risks". But for now, the company's employees are no longer allowed to enter the factory where the modules are installed, and National Grid has not disclosed the reason for the termination.
Screenshot of the headline of the Financial Times report.
If there is no risk, why is there a so-called security problem all of a sudden?In the opinion of experts, the British use "security" as a rhetoric to label Chinese companies with "trumped-up" charges has a dual political purpose in addition to "suspicion". On the one hand, it is to follow the United States and increase the suppression of Chinese technology companies, reflecting the so-called special alliance between Britain and the United States. On the other hand, the UK will usher in ** next year, and the ruling party hopes to gain more votes by being tough on China.
This has not been uncommon in recent years. In July 2020, the United Kingdom followed the United States in imposing restrictions on Huawei's 5G equipment and services. In July last year, the UK again banned a Chinese company from acquiring intellectual property related to visual sensing technology from the UK on the grounds of so-called "**". In July this year, the British Cabinet Office announced the security review of investment projects under the ** and Investment Act in the past year, of which 40% of the projects involved in the intervention involved Chinese investment, 1 3 involved the United Kingdom, 1 5 involved the United States, and 8 of the China-related investment projects were rejected.
It is reported that the Chinese enterprises involved this time are leading enterprises in the field of industrial control and clean energy, and have strong independent research and development capabilities. The role played by such a company is not easily replaced. The British side ignores the laws of the market and excludes Chinese businessmen, which will inevitably pay a high price.
At present, affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the cost of living of the British energy people has increased. This has prompted the company to increase the transformation of the power grid. However, the exclusion of Chinese enterprise modules this time is likely to lead to a longer time and increased cost of grid transformation. The UK has announced an increase in the energy cap from January next year, and the annual energy bill cap for ordinary households will be raised from £1,834 to £1,928, which means that the British people may suffer from high energy ** for a long time and face a greater cost burden.
In addition, the UK** announced in 2021 that it would achieve a target of 100% clean energy electricity by 2035, but the backwardness of the grid has dragged down the UK's energy transition. Due to the lack of forward-looking planning for the development of power infrastructure, and the exclusion of experienced Chinese companies, it may be difficult for the UK, as one of the "top" emitters, to meet its emission reduction targets. This will lead to a slowdown in the pace of clean energy across Europe.
With the removal of modules supplied by Chinese companies, National Grid of the United Kingdom is faced with the challenge of finding a replacement. The UK's high politicization of commercial and technical issues at all costs will cast doubt on whether the UK market can remain open, fair and non-discriminatory, and confidence in UK investment is likely to be weakened.
In fact, the threat to Britain has never been Chinese companies, but politicians who have engaged in political manipulation without regard for the interests of the people, and those who believe in the strategy of "small courtyards and high walls". Using the so-called "security" as an excuse to promote decoupling and chain breaking, and unreasonably suppress Chinese enterprises, will not curb China's development. Rational people in the UK should be aware that China is a partner and an opportunity for developmentThe right way for China and the UK to get along is pragmatic cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win results, so as to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations and benefit the whole world.
*: CCTV News.