Britain’s MI5 security service has issued a fresh warning to lawmakers about attempts by Chinese intelligence agents to infiltrate political circles and collect sensitive information. The latest alert, shared on Tuesday, warns that Chinese operatives are posing as recruiters and corporate representatives to contact British politicians and officials, primarily through online platforms such as LinkedIn.
The speakers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords confirmed that MI5 had reported ongoing efforts by China’s Ministry of State Security to “actively reach out to individuals in our community.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis described the campaign as “a covert and calculated attempt” by Beijing to interfere in UK politics. He told parliament that the government would launch a new counterespionage strategy to strengthen national security and respond to the growing threat.
MI5 Outlines Espionage Methods
According to MI5, the network of Chinese intelligence officers operates behind front companies and fake recruitment agencies. These organisations allegedly approach targets under the guise of legitimate job offers to extract valuable information.
Jarvis said the government was taking the threat seriously and would invest £170 million in improving encrypted communication systems for civil servants. Other steps include tightening political donation rules, enhancing election security guidance, and removing Chinese-made surveillance equipment from sensitive government sites.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy in London dismissed the accusations as “pure fabrication and malicious slander,” accusing the UK of “self-aggrandisement” and warning it not to “undermine China-UK relations.”
Spying Case Collapse and Political Fallout
The renewed alert follows the collapse of a high-profile espionage case in September, when prosecutors dropped charges against two British men accused of spying for China due to insufficient evidence. Opposition parties accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government of prioritising diplomatic engagement with Beijing over national security concerns a claim the government firmly denied.
The warning also comes ahead of a decision on whether to approve a controversial new Chinese embassy in London. Critics argue the project could create fresh security vulnerabilities if approved.
In recent months, MI5 has repeatedly raised the alarm over Chinese cyber and human intelligence activities. In October, the agency revealed that Chinese operatives had been posting thousands of fake job adverts online to target professionals with access to sensitive data.
Academic Sector Also at Risk
Jarvis also cautioned that China’s intelligence reach extends into British universities. He said ministers would host a private meeting with university leaders to discuss foreign interference and the protection of academic research.
“China has a low threshold for what it considers valuable information,” Jarvis told lawmakers, adding that vigilance was essential across all sectors.
In January 2022, MI5 had already warned MPs about Christine Lee, a lawyer accused of political interference on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. Although Lee later sued MI5 to clear her name, she lost the case.
The government continues to frame the issue as a test of resilience against foreign interference, signalling that further security measures and transparency reforms are on the way.
(with inputs from Reuters)
