China ran extensive spying operations in UK: Case evidence

Defence affairs - Def-Geopolitics

The U.K.’s Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Collins said Chinese intelligence agencies are conducting extensive espionage operations against Britain, while the government continues to pursue a constructive relationship with Beijing.

In a witness statement which ultimately contributed to the collapse of the China spy case, Collins said the U.K. government sought to "strengthen understanding, cooperation and stability" in its relationship with Beijing.

Collins provided three witness statements as part of the Crown Prosecution Service's case, which was ultimately dropped when it was deemed the evidence did not show China was a threat to national security.

Keir Starmer announced at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday the U.K. government would publish the statements made by Collins as part of the case.

The opposition Conservatives have been pressing ministers over their handling of the collapsed trial of Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry.

Both men, who deny wrongdoing, had been accused of passing secrets to China, but charges against them were dropped last month.

In his final witness statement, dated Aug. 4 this year, Collins said: "The Chinese intelligence services are highly capable and conduct large scale espionage operations against the U.K. to advance the Chinese state's interests and harm the interests and security of the U.K.

"China's espionage operations threaten the U.K.'s economic prosperity and resilience and the integrity of our democratic institutions."

But in the concluding paragraph of his final statement he said: "It is important for me to emphasise, however, that the U.K. Government is committed to pursuing a positive relationship with China to strengthen understanding, co-operation and stability.

"The Government's position is that we will co-operate where we can; compete where we need to; and challenge where we must, including on issues of national security."