UK Summons Chinese Ambassador Amid Allegations of Hong Kong Espionage and Interference

The Foreign Office called in the Chinese ambassador following the charging of three individuals accused of espionage on behalf of Hong Kong. These men faced court on Monday, facing allegations of aiding Hong Kong's intelligence operations and engaging in foreign interference.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 12

The UK Foreign Office has called in China's envoy following the charging of three individuals with espionage on behalf of Hong Kong.

The Foreign Office made it clear that the recent actions by China towards the UK, which include cyber-attacks, alleged espionage connections, and the placement of bounties, are unacceptable.

A representative stated that Ambassador Zheng Zeguang was called in on orders from Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron following the charging of the individuals under the National Security Act for aiding Hong Kong's intelligence operations and engaging in foreign interference.

Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, aged 38, along with Matthew Trickett, 37, and Chung Biu Yuen, 63, were present at Westminster Magistrates' Court this Monday.

Reports claim that from December 20, 2023, to May 2, Yuen, Wai, and Trickett conspired to engage in intelligence gathering, monitoring, and deceptive activities that could potentially benefit a foreign espionage agency.

It is further claimed that they broke into a home in the UK on May 1.

The financial rewards referred to by the Foreign Office relate to funds given for details that contribute to the capture of foreign nationals. These incentives were put forward by the Hong Kong government in both July and December of 2023.

Alicia Kearns, who leads the foreign affairs committee, expressed that it was a relief and long overdue to hear that the Chinese ambassador had been summoned.

"She stated, 'Any hostile actions on UK territory are a grave concern and must be met with absolutely no tolerance.'"

"We need to be unwavering in this regard with every nation."

Sky News has discovered that China is responsible for a cyberattack on the Ministry of Defence. Additionally, a parliamentary researcher faces charges for allegedly conducting espionage on behalf

On Monday, the Chinese embassy in London refuted all claims, vehemently criticized the UK for its "baseless allegations," and stated that the UK has orchestrated "a sequence of charges against China," describing the allegations regarding Chinese espionage and cyber assaults as "unfounded and defamatory."

The statement emphasized that Hong Kong has already been reincorporated into China. It asserted that Hong Kong belongs to China and that the United Kingdom has neither the authority nor the standing to interfere or make criticisms regarding matters in Hong Kong.

The trio implicated was released on bail this past Monday and is scheduled for a court appearance at the Old Bailey on May 24.

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District Judge Louisa Cieciora stipulated that they adhere to specific conditions such as a curfew from 10pm to 5am, mandatory weekly check-ins at their nearest police station, a prohibition on international travel, and a requirement to notify the police about any devices they use to go online.

Trickett, Yuen, and Wai faced charges after a probe conducted by the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit, resulting in the detention of 11 individuals.

On May 1, police detained eight men and a woman in Yorkshire, followed by the arrest of another man in London and an additional man in Yorkshire the next day, according to the authorities.

The eight individuals, comprising seven males and one female, who faced no charges were freed from detention on or by May 10.

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