UK Calls Chinese Ambassador to Discuss Ongoing Hostilities
The Foreign Office mentioned activities such as cyber attacks, espionage links, and bounties against dissidents. The Chinese Ambassador Zheng Zeguang was summoned to the Foreign Office due to the Chinese regime’s hostile actions towards the UK. Three individuals were charged under the National Security Act for assisting a foreign intelligence service, specifically Hong Kong.
The Foreign Office stated that China’s behavior, including cyberattacks and espionage, is unacceptable. Since the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong in 2020, several pro-democracy activists, including British citizens, have faced prosecution and warrants.
Some of these activists, like Fin Lau, have reported attacks, suggesting Chinese Communist Party involvement. Hacking attacks on UK systems have also been attributed to China. Alicia Kearns, chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, welcomed the summoning of the Chinese Ambassador, labeling hostile interference on UK soil as intolerable. The Chinese Embassy accused the UK of engaging in political maneuvering against China.
GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler highlighted the increasing cyber risk posed by China and the agency’s efforts to counter these threats. Amnesty International reported on Chinese and Hong Kong students in various countries censoring themselves due to fear of repercussions from China.
Overall, the UK is taking a firm stance against Chinese aggression, both in terms of cyber activities and political interference.
