Britain is contemplating new controls on “delicate expertise” following China’s cyber allegations

Britain is considering new restrictions on China's access to “sensitive technologies” following allegations of cyber espionage.

Oliver Dowden, Britain's deputy prime minister, launched a review of restrictions on Thursday. He warned that “enemy states” could use British funds and technology for ““Military and intelligence projects” that threaten national security.

“Our open economy is being targeted by state actors and their proxies,” Dowden said in a speech at the Chatham House Think Tank in London.

“Through our inbound and outbound investment flows, our imports and exports and our academic collaborations, the entire spectrum of our economic security interests is at risk.”

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Dowden went on to say that Britain's response could lead to stricter export controls and restrictions on foreign investment.

He highlighted the risks of rival states gaining access to technologies developed at British universities. The Financial Times reported last month that British academics have been working with researchers linked to Beijing's armed forces on technology projects with potential military use. China called the allegations “baseless.”

“We should be proud that much of the cutting-edge development in sensitive technologies occurs in our universities,” Dowden said. “But this also has the potential to become a gap in our arsenal.”

In addition to China, Dowden named Iran, Russia and North Korea as countries he sees as threats.

The “sensitive technologies” examined.

Dowden's speech is coming a month after Britain joined the US in imposing sanctions on hackers allegedly backed by the Chinese government.

British officials accused Beijing of orchestrating cyberattacks on Britain's election watchdog and parliamentarians. China said the claims were “completely baseless.”

Cybersecurity is one of several technology areas causing tension. Chinese telecoms giant Huawei has already been banned from the UK's 5G mobile network over surveillance concerns. The UK has also restricted sales of quantum computers with potential military applications.

The new review could lead to further restrictions on semiconductors and AI. The legislature also had Dowden said he considered classifying genomics as critical infrastructure but concluded the current rules were sufficient.

Genomics had attracted more and more attention among followers Reports that China's BGI Group had worked with the country's military to collect genetic data. US officials claims The materials could lead to genetically enhanced soldiers and biological weapons.