China’s foreign ministry has hit back at what it called “unfounded” accusations of spying in Westminster, saying it has “no interest” in gathering intelligence on the UK.
Yesterday, the security service MI5 sent a warning to MPs and peers about two recruitment headhunters who are working for Chinese security services.
Politics latest: ‘Are we safe?’ – Minister challenged repeatedly after damning report from MPs
They are Amanda Qiu of BR-YR Executive Search and Shirly Shen of the Internship Union.
But speaking in response to a question by Asia correspondent Helen-Ann Smith, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning replied: “China has repeatedly made clear its solemn position on this matter.
“We firmly oppose such unfounded allegations and the exaggerated portrayal and sensationalism that project one’s own biases onto others.
“Judgements based on erroneous information will only lead astray.
MI5 is also trying to send a signal to China with spying warning to parliamentarians
Parliamentarians warned of new spying attempts from China-linked agents
Stranded Chinese astronauts return to Earth after space capsule damaged
Ms Mao added: “China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries, nor does it have any interest in gathering so-called intelligence on the British parliament.”
In a message seen by Sky News about parliamentary staff, MPs and peers were warned that the MI5 alert “highlights how the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) is actively reaching out to individuals in our community”.
The message continued: “Their aim is to collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships, using professional networking sites, recruitment agents and consultants acting on their behalf.”
Security minister Dan Jarvis later said in a statement to parliament that “China has a low threshold for what information is considered to be of value, and will gather individual pieces of information to build a wider picture”.
He added: “Let me speak plainly. This activity involves a covert and calculated attempt by a foreign power to interfere with our sovereign affairs in favour of its own interests, and this government will not tolerate it.”
Read more:
MI5 is trying to send a signal to China with spying warning
Three key questions about China spy case that need answering
The government made a statement in the House of Commons following the revelations, saying it would take all “necessary measures” to protect the UK.
Westminster employees were warned that two individuals were both known to be reaching out on LinkedIn to “conduct outreach at scale on behalf of MSS”.
This latest warning comes after the collapse of a prosecution of two people suspected of spying on behalf of China.
Follow our channel and never miss an update.
The previous spying allegations led to controversy over how the government under Labour responded to the Crown Prosecution Service’s requests for evidence.
Sir Keir Starmer sought to blame the previous Conservative government for the issues, which centred on whether China could be designated an “enemy” under First World War-era legislation.
Sir Keir has sought to keep relationships with Beijing somewhat warm, highlighting the value of China as a trading partner.
