LONDON — The West may be losing ground in its relationship with China if it fails to recognize the nation as an adversary. This perspective suggests that politics can sometimes resemble warfare, a notion supported by the historical views of military theorist Carl von Clausewitz. In recent decades, China has engaged in what some describe as a "good war," characterized by espionage, aggressive diplomacy, and the theft of intellectual property from countries like Britain. This ongoing conflict has largely gone unnoticed in the West, where officials struggle to articulate the nature of the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party.

Ben Bland, director of the Asia-Pacific program at a prominent think tank, encapsulated the prevailing view by stating, "China is both an important economic partner and a systemic rival." While this statement reflects the complexity of Britain's relationship with China, it also highlights the difficulty of managing these dual roles. The lack of clarity in navigating this tension has led to haphazard solutions that often appear ineffective.

For instance, the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence recently placed warning stickers inside its fleet of Chinese-made electric cars, advising military personnel not to discuss sensitive information while inside. This measure raises questions about how the UK ended up relying on vehicles that pose security risks. The decision to purchase these cars was initially driven by economic considerations and environmental goals, with little regard for the potential security implications.

Further complicating matters, a recent case involving two British men accused of spying for China collapsed when the director of public prosecutions stated that the government would not classify China as a "threat to national security." This contradiction raises concerns about the government's commitment to addressing the risks posed by a systemic rival.

In a recent warning, House Speaker Lindsay Hoyle noted that Chinese state actors are "relentless" in their efforts to influence activities within Parliament. The government's mixed messaging—downplaying the threat while simultaneously alerting the public—has created confusion and hindered the development of a coherent policy toward China.

In contrast, Chinese organizations operate with a clear strategic goal, working in tandem with the government to enhance China's global standing in economic, military, and technological arenas. The West's reluctance to confront the reality of the situation only serves to strengthen China's position. As Otto von Bismarck famously remarked, one must adapt their approach based on the nature of their counterpart. It may be time for Britain to reassess its stance and determine how to effectively engage with a nation that may not be a partner, but rather a competitor on the world stage.