Whistleblowing

Setting the Scene

Chaing works for the Foreign Ministry, where he translates highly classified diplomatic cables from China and other Asian countries. Born and raised in China, Chaing immigrated to Britain in his early teens and is now a patriotic British citizen who is thankful for the opportunities that life in the UK has given him.


The Dilemma

Chaing discovers some highly sensitive documents revealing attempts by British intelligence officials to infiltrate China's defence industries and gain access to China's latest missile technologies. Chiang knows that this contravenes international law and, if discovered, could have serious ramifications for British-Chinese relations. On the other hand, Chaing realises that knowledge of Chinese missile technologies may save British lives. Chaing doesn't want to be seen as unpatriotic or jeopardise his job at the Foreign Office.

Chaing must make a decision when he is approached by a journalist asking him if he could provide documents that could give evidence of British duplicity in its dealings with China and other countries in the region.

Questions

  1. Is it okay to divulge sensitive or classified information in order to expose wrongdoing?
  2. Do people always have to "do the right thing" even at the risk of losing their job and livelihood, or are there shades of grey based on the circumstances?
  3. Would it be considered a betrayal of duty for Chaing to expose the British plans and give the information?
  4. Do the ends justify the means - is it okay for a country to break the law if it could save lives or have beneficial outcomes?


Discussion Points

(How would these further facts affect your judgement)

  • Publication of the classified documents could expose the identities of British intelligence officials in China and put their lives at risk.
  • Chaing decides to sell the documents to Wikilinks for a large sum of money.