top of page
Writer's picturemeowdini
Jun 32 min read

China Accuses Married Couple of Spying for UK’s MI6

Updated: Jun 26

China has accused a married couple working for the Chinese central government of espionage, alleging they were recruited by the UK’s MI6 intelligence service. The Ministry of State Security (MSS), China’s civilian spy agency, announced on Monday that it had uncovered a “major espionage case” involving two moles allegedly planted by the British within China's ranks.


 China espionage, MI6 spies, UK intelligence, MSS accusations, Wang and Zhou spying case, international espionage, China UK tensions, MSS public presence
China accuses a married couple employed by the government of spying for the UK's MI6. This allegation is part of escalating espionage claims between China and the UK. Learn more about this unfolding international incident.

This revelation comes amidst a growing wave of espionage accusations between China and the UK. Recently, British authorities charged three individuals with spying for Hong Kong's intelligence service. Earlier in April, two others were accused of espionage for China, including a former researcher for a prominent Conservative Party lawmaker. These charges followed China’s detention of the head of a foreign consultancy allegedly spying for MI6.


MSS Allegations


  • The MSS statement identified one alleged spy by the surname Wang, who held a position with access to highly confidential information within an unnamed central state organ. According to the MSS, Wang’s application to study in the UK in 2015 was expedited due to his valuable access to sensitive information. During his stay in Britain, MI6 allegedly cultivated Wang through meals and tours, exploiting his “strong desire for money” to lure him into espionage.


  • Initially, Wang provided consulting services for MI6, receiving significantly higher fees than standard consulting rates. Despite his wariness, the promise of substantial monetary rewards and security guarantees persuaded him to continue. The MSS alleged that MI6 personnel trained Wang in espionage before sending him back to China to gather intelligence.


Recruitment of Wang’s Wife


  • The MSS also claimed that MI6 repeatedly encouraged Wang to recruit his wife, identified by her surname Zhou, who worked at a core government agency. The British intelligence agency allegedly offered to double the financial incentives for her cooperation. Initially hesitant, both Wang and Zhou eventually agreed to the arrangement, according to the MSS.



Escalating Espionage Tensions


  • Under President Xi Jinping, China’s MSS has significantly increased its public presence and activities, regularly announcing the dismantling of foreign spying operations. While these claims are difficult to verify, they serve to bolster the agency's image and remind Chinese citizens of the perceived omnipresence of foreign spies.


  • Last August, the MSS launched an official WeChat account, calling for public cooperation in countering foreign infiltration. The account has since garnered substantial attention, with posts detailing alleged espionage activities by Western agencies and recruitment efforts targeting Chinese nationals abroad.


International Response


  • The British Foreign Office, which handles media inquiries for MI6, has yet to comment on the MSS’s latest allegations. This incident highlights the escalating espionage tensions between China and the UK, with both sides trading serious accusations.



Source: CNN


Commentaires

bottom of page