The UK government is preparing to sign a new border security agreement with China aimed at disrupting the supply of small boats and engines used by people smuggling gangs operating across the English Channel.

The deal is due to be signed in Beijing after meetings between Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, during the first UK prime ministerial visit to China in eight years.

The agreement will, for the first time, allow UK and Chinese law enforcement agencies to work together before boats and engines reach criminal networks in Europe.

The main goal is to stop smuggling equipment at its source, rather than intercepting it after it has already entered Europe.

UK authorities say that more than half of the engines used in Channel crossings are manufactured in China.

Data from last year shows that over 60% of engines seized from smuggling gangs were branded as Chinese-made.

Inflatable dinghies used in these crossings are often made using parts sourced in China, allowing gangs to overcrowd vessels.

Recent crossings have reportedly carried more than 100 people in conditions described as increasingly dangerous.

Under the deal, UK law enforcement agencies will share intelligence with Chinese authorities to identify smuggling supply routes.

The agreement also includes direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers to prevent legitimate businesses from being used by organised crime groups.

Both countries have agreed to scale up the removal of people who have no legal right to remain in the UK and to strengthen cooperation against serious and organised crime.

This includes action against Chinese criminal groups involved in producing and trafficking synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes, and the precursor chemicals used to make them.

According to the UK government, these drugs have been linked to more than 750 deaths in the UK. Officials believe closer cooperation with China will help reduce the flow of these substances into the country.

The Prime Minister has said that people smuggling is a cross-border crime and requires an international response.

He stated that cutting off boat supplies at source would help prevent dangerous crossings and strengthen border control.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has said the deal will support its efforts to disrupt the business models of people smuggling gangs.

Since taking office, the government has increased international cooperation to tackle organised immigration crime.

Earlier this month, a major supplier of boats to Channel smuggling gangs was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a Belgian court, with co-defendants receiving a total of 38 years.

UK agencies have seized more than 950 boats and engines since early 2023 as part of efforts to disrupt smuggling operations.

Joint work with France has prevented around 40,000 attempted Channel crossings since the current government took office.

Disruptions to migrant smuggling operations have increased by 33%, with nearly 4,000 disruptions recorded since July 2024.

Reference: UK Government