China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has accused the head of a foreign consulting agency of spying for Britain’s MI6 intelligence service.
The accused individual, identified only by the surname Huang, allegedly entered China “several times, acting under instructions to use their public profile as a cover to collect China-related intelligence for Britain… and seek other personnel whom MI6 could turn”.
According to the MSS, Huang’s espionage activities were conducted with the objective of gathering sensitive information for MI6 while maintaining the facade of a legitimate consulting role.
The accused foreign national allegedly used their public engagements as a cover to discreetly collect intelligence on matters of strategic importance to Britain.
The Ministry of State Security has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the information allegedly gathered or the duration of Huang’s activities.
However, the Chinese authorities assert that the foreign individual had been instructed by MI6 to focus on acquiring intelligence related to China.
The revelation comes at a time of heightened tension between China and Britain, with both countries already engaged in diplomatic disputes on various fronts.
The Chinese government has not specified when the alleged espionage activities took place, but the accusations add a new layer of complexity to the already strained relations between the two nations.
Both the foreign consulting agency and MI6 have not yet responded to the accusations.
The British government has yet to comment on the situation, and it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact diplomatic ties between the two countries.
