Dearlove reveals intelligence community objected to BT's original China deal but was overruled by policymakers.
“Now at the time that that deal was signed there were strong objections from people like me in the intelligence community. We were totally overruled.”
Dearlove argues any Chinese corporation is ultimately controlled by the Communist Party and must obey in crisis.
“The fact is you cannot get around the security problem that any Chinese corporation is ultimately under the control of the Chinese Communist Party. If in a crisis they are told to jump.”
Dearlove reveals British Telecom signed a deal with Huawei in 2001-2002 while he was MI6 chief, creating significant entanglement.
“The problem is that British Telecom signed a deal back in 2001, 2002 actually, whilst I was chief with Huawei.”
Dearlove reveals British Telecom signed a deal with Huawei in 2001-2002 while he was MI6 chief.
“The problem is that British Telecom signed a deal back in 2001, 2002 actually, whilst I was chief with Huawei. And we became very much involved with this company and entangled with them.”