This Monday, the Chinese Ministry of State Security announced on its WeChat account on the social network that it had discovered another espionage incident by the British Secret Service, also known as MI6. According to Chinese authorities, MI6 used a foreigner in China to collect secrets and information.
This accusation by China is another chapter in the heated exchange between the two countries over alleged espionage activities that threaten their respective national security.
Espionage in detail
The foreigner, identified only by his surname Huang, owns a consulting agency abroad. According to the Chinese government, MI6 established an “intelligence cooperation relationship” with Huang in 2015.
Afterwards, MI6 instructed Huang to enter China several times and collect countryrelated information for British espionage, using his public identity as a cover. MI6 also conducted professional intelligence training for Huang at locations in the United Kingdom and provided specialist intelligence equipment to crosscheck information.
“After careful investigation, state security organs immediately discovered evidence of Huang's involvement in espionage activities and took coercive criminal measures against him,” the Chinese government said.
The consulting agency involved in the case was not disclosed by the Chinese government.
British response and retaliation
In contrast, the British government has said that China directs its espionage activities against British officials in sensitive positions in areas such as politics, defense and economics. China denies the allegations and calls them “completely baseless.”
“We urge the UK to stop spreading disinformation, political manipulation and malicious defamation against China,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said.
Faced with this barrage of allegations, China has stepped up its counterintelligence measures, publicizing several espionage cases uncovered in recent years and warning its citizens about the dangers of espionage activities.
History of the conflict
Disputes between the two countries began in recent months when China shut down companies based in the United Kingdom, claiming the country was spying on its employees. Since July last year, China has passed the counterespionage law, making it clear that it wants to make possible espionage cases as public as possible.
Since then, the government has continuously shared all of its findings on social media, including possible cases of retaliation for disclosing sensitive government information. The Chinese government's actions worry investors who have businesses in the country, as such cases can cause problems for the economy and local development.