China has leveled serious allegations against the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), claiming that the agency turned two of its state officials into spies for the British government. The accusation was made in a statement released by China’s State Security Ministry on Monday.
According to the ministry, the two Chinese officials were staff members of unnamed central state organs, and the case against them is currently under investigation. The officials were reportedly a married couple allegedly recruited by the British intelligence agency, as per a report by the Global Times.
Though the authorities did not identify the officials, they mentioned in their WeChat statement that the case involved MI6 recruiting an employee surnamed Wang and his spouse surnamed Zhou.
The Backstory
The Global Times report suggests that Wang applied to participate in a China-UK exchange program to study in the United Kingdom back in 2016. Upon his arrival, the MI6 allegedly arranged for personnel to provide him with special attention, including dining invitations and sightseeing tours, to understand his personality weaknesses and hobbies.
The intelligence personnel reportedly befriended him and eventually offered him a highly compensated part-time consulting opportunity. Tempted by the financial incentives, Wang agreed to engage in the “paid consulting” arrangement.
Despite being suspicious of the British motives, Wang continued to provide part-time consulting with high compensation, as per the Chinese authorities. The MI6 then allegedly provided professional spy training for Wang and instructed him to return to China to gather important intelligence.
Recruiting Wang’s Wife
After Wang returned to China, the MI6 reportedly repeatedly urged him to recruit his wife, Zhou, to the British intelligence body and promised him double compensation. Wang eventually succumbed to the persistent persuasion, inducement, and even threats from the British side, and the couple started gathering intelligence for the British officials.
In the statement, the Chinese national security agencies maintained that they have legally detained the duo, and interrogation is currently underway. This is not the first time the Chinese authorities have accused MI6 of recruiting Chinese officials as spies. Back in January, the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) accused MI6 of using foreign personnel from “a third country” for espionage targeting China.
China’s allegations against the British intelligence agency highlight the two countries’ ongoing tensions and espionage activities. The case will likely further strain the already tense relations between China and the United Kingdom.
