Britain, arrest of suspected spies prompts calls for China to be declared a 'threat'

2023-09-13 19:14:32, Kosova & Bota CNA

Britain, arrest of suspected spies prompts calls for China to be declared a

The British government has rejected calls to formally declare China a threat to its interests. As Voice of America correspondent Henry Ridgwell reports, some lawmakers have called for a tougher stance after it was revealed that a researcher in the British Parliament was arrested on suspicion of spying for Beijing.

British police arrested two people in March on suspicion of spying for China. The arrests only came to light this week, when the Sunday Times newspaper reported that one of the suspects was a researcher in the British parliament with ties to several important members of the ruling Conservative Party.

In a statement released online, the researcher, whom VOA has decided not to identify, said he was innocent and claimed that throughout his career he "had tried to educate others about the challenge and threats posed by the Communist Party." of China".

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed the issue with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the recent meeting of the Group of 20 richest countries in the world, in India. Mr Sunak told lawmakers on Tuesday he would defend British democracy.

"I was adamant with Prime Minister Lee that actions aimed at undermining British democracy are completely unacceptable and will never be tolerated," said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

China said the spying allegations are a fabrication.

"We call on the UK to stop spreading false information and stop its political manipulation and slander against China," said Mao Ning, spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry.

Critics say Britain should take a tougher line. Finn Lau is a pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong who now lives in exile in London following China's crackdown on protests in 2019.

"There's kind of a lack of a consistent approach, or even a policy, for China right now, especially on issues related to national security, or threats from abroad," says Mr. Lau.

This view has been echoed by some British lawmakers.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss is one of the Conservative Party members calling on the government to officially declare China a threat to Britain.

But speaking during a visit to a car factory on Monday, British Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch dismissed the claim.

"We cannot declare China as an enemy. They are our fourth largest trading partner. There are many businesses, especially the one I'm in now, that are integrated with the Chinese economy. Many jobs depend on it," says Mrs. Badenoch.

Mr. Lau says reliance on China is overrated.

“China accounts for just 6.1 per cent of the UK's total trade volume. We need to focus as soon as possible on creating other opportunities for our trade relations", says Mr. Lau.

Meanwhile, the two suspects arrested in March have been released on bail. Police investigations are continuing./ VOA