China has strongly denied allegations of espionage made by the United Kingdom, dismissing reports that a UK parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of spying for China as “malicious slander.” The incident has fuelled diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
According to The Sunday Times, a 28-year-old parliamentary researcher, who had previously taught in China after graduating from university, was arrested in March. The researcher had been employed by Alicia Kearns, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the ruling Conservative party who chairs the parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. The suspected spy also had connections with Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, who founded the China Research Group—a platform for Conservative MPs seeking innovative perspectives on China.
Notably, several UK MPs, including Tugendhat, have faced sanctions imposed by Beijing due to their criticism of China.
The Metropolitan Police of the UK confirmed the arrests of two individuals, a man in his 20s suspected of spying and another man in his 30s suspected of offences under the Official Secrets Act. Both were arrested in March and have been on bail until October.
Following reports of these arrests, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his “very strong concerns” about China’s perceived “interference” in democracy to Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the G20 summit in New Delhi.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London issued a statement categorically denying the accusations. The spokesperson described claims of China “stealing British intelligence” as entirely fabricated and dismissed them as “malicious slander.” The embassy called on relevant UK parties to cease what it referred to as “anti-China political manipulation” and characterised the situation as a “self-staged political farce.”
The Sunday Times provided details about the suspected spy, describing him as the son of a doctor who grew up in a wealthy suburb of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. The report highlighted his emergence as a prominent parliamentary networker.
In response to the allegations and subsequent reports, Alicia Kearns refrained from making any comments, as reflected in her statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The espionage allegations and their vehement denial have amplified tensions in Sino-UK relations, casting a shadow over diplomatic exchanges and cooperation between the two nations. The incident continues to draw attention from both political and diplomatic circles, with its implications likely to reverberate further.
