China has accused Britain of stirring controversy in the wake of the Prince Andrew spy allegations, urging the UK to “stop anti-China political manipulations.”
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London criticised what they described as “anti-China clamours” from certain UK MPs, accusing them of holding a “twisted mentality towards China” and attempting to “smear” the country while disrupting normal personnel exchanges between the two nations.
The row comes after revelations about Prince Andrew’s alleged connections to an individual who has since been barred from the UK on national security grounds. The scandal has added fresh scrutiny to the Duke of York, with his ties to the alleged spy raising concerns over potential security risks.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged on Sunday that the government faces a “complex” challenge in managing relations with China.
While emphasising the importance of economic cooperation, she warned that the UK would adopt a “very strong approach” to safeguard national security.
Meanwhile, former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith accused the Labour government of appearing “weak” in its stance towards China, suggesting they were hesitant to criticise Beijing.
In a strongly worded statement, the Chinese embassy defended its stance, asserting that a stable and constructive China-UK relationship is mutually beneficial:
“We always believe that a sound and stable China-UK relationship is not a one-sided favour but what meets the common interests of both sides.”
The embassy called on the UK to adopt a “right perception of China,” respect its sovereignty, and adhere to principles of mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in internal affairs.
It added: “We urge the UK side to immediately stop creating trouble, stop anti-China political manipulations, and stop undermining normal personnel exchanges between China and the UK.”
