This Monday, China's Ministry of State Security announced on its WeChat social network account that it had discovered another incident of espionage by the British Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6. According to Chinese officials, MI6 used a foreigner in China to collect secrets and information.
China's accusations are yet another episode in heated exchanges between the two countries over spying activities that threaten their respective national security.
Espionage in detail
The foreigner, identified only by his surname Huang, is the owner of a consulting firm abroad. According to the Chinese government, in 2015, MI6 established an “intelligence cooperation relationship” with Huang.
Afterward, he instructed Huang to enter China several times and gather information about the country for British espionage, using his public identity as a cover. MI6 provided Huang with professional intelligence training at bases in the United Kingdom and special intelligence equipment to cross-examine information.
“After careful investigation, state security agencies immediately discovered evidence of Huang's participation in espionage activities and took criminal coercive measures against him,” the Chinese government said.
The consultancy firm involved in the case has not been disclosed by the Chinese government.
British response and retaliation
In contrast, the British government has said that China is directing its spying operations on British officials in sensitive positions in areas such as politics, security and business. China has denied the allegations, calling them “totally baseless”.
“We urge the UK to stop spreading false information, political manipulation and malicious slander against China,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said.
Through the panorama of these allegations, China has intensified its counterintelligence operations, publicizing several espionage cases discovered in recent years and warning its citizens about the dangers of engaging in espionage activities.
A history of conflict
Disputes between the two countries have erupted in recent months, when China shut down companies based in the United Kingdom, accusing China of spying on its employees. Since July last year, China has enacted an anti-espionage law that makes it clear that it wants to publicize potential espionage cases as much as possible.
Since then, the government has continued to share all of its findings on social media, including potential retaliation for releasing classified government information. The actions of the Chinese government worry investors who have companies in the country, as such events can cause problems for the economy and local development.
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