The UK government is set to summon the Chinese ambassador following the conviction of two men found guilty of spying on behalf of Hong Kong and, ultimately, China, in a case that has intensified diplomatic tensions between London and Beijing.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis confirmed the move, stating that the actions of those involved represented a direct challenge to UK sovereignty and would not be tolerated.
He said: “The activities carried out by these men, on behalf of China, are an infringement of our sovereignty and will never be tolerated. We will continue to hold China to account and challenge them directly for actions which put the safety of people in our country at risk. That is why the Foreign Office will summon the Chinese Ambassador to make it clear activity like this was, and will always be, unacceptable on UK soil.”
The diplomatic step follows a court ruling in London where two men, including a British immigration officer, were convicted of espionage offences linked to gathering intelligence on behalf of Hong Kong authorities and China. The case involved surveillance of pro-democracy activists now living in the United Kingdom.
In response, the Chinese embassy in London strongly rejected the allegations, claiming it had formally raised concerns with the UK government.
A spokesperson said: “The facts of this case clearly show that this is nothing but a political move of abusing the law and manipulating the judicial process by the UK side. Its sole purpose is to embolden those anti-China elements who are hiding in the UK and bent on destabilising Hong Kong, and to smear the Chinese government and the Hong Kong SAR government.”
The case has further strained already fragile relations between the UK and China, which have been under pressure since Beijing’s national security crackdown in Hong Kong in 2019.
Hong Kong, a former British territory for 156 years before its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, has remained a focal point of diplomatic friction, particularly following the suppression of pro-democracy protests.
British authorities say the latest convictions highlight ongoing concerns about foreign interference and espionage activities targeting individuals in the UK, particularly those involved in political activism.
Officials have stressed that national security remains a top priority and that the government will take firm action against any attempts to undermine it on British soil.