Ministers have been accused of jeopardising national security by prioritising ‘diplomatic politeness’ with China.

A report from MPs today criticises Labour’s approach to Beijing as the ‘worst of both worlds’.

In a devastating indictment of its dealings with the communist state, the chairman of the business, innovation, science and trade committee (Bist) said the ‘Government keeps making up its China policy as it goes along’.

Firms have missed out on lucrative commercial deals as Britain has been left increasingly exposed to ‘unquantified, unmanaged risk’, the report adds.

Last night the committee put pressure on the Prime Minister to clarify his stance on closer dealings with the Chinese Communist Party.

Read more: Labour is ‘making up’ China policy on the hoof: MPs’ damning report says UK security is at risk because ministers don’t want to offend Beijing