The British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has officially summoned the Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Zheng Zeguang, to address concerns over alleged illicit intelligence activities by Beijing.
This diplomatic action comes amid accusations that China attempted to collect intelligence information illegally affecting UK national security.
UK government condemns China’s actions
In a firm statement released Tuesday, the FCDO condemned what it described as a “recent pattern of behavior directed by China against the UK,” which includes cyberattacks, espionage activities, and the issuing of bounties.
The department emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and violate the norms of international conduct and relations between sovereign states.
Legal actions within the UK
The summoning of Ambassador Zheng follows the recent charges laid against three individuals in the UK, accused of breaching the National Security Act 2023.
These individuals were reportedly providing foreign services with sensitive intelligence information, prompting a serious response from UK authorities.
The FCDO’s stern engagement with the Chinese ambassador highlights the growing concerns over national security and international espionage within the UK government.
