Britain’s domestic security agency MI5 warned on Tuesday that China has been using spies posing as headhunters to approach and recruit UK parliamentarians, heightening concerns about Beijing’s activities in the country.
The Chinese embassy in London immediately rejected the accusation, calling it “pure fabrication and malicious slander,” and said it had “lodged stern representations” with the UK government.
“We urge the UK side to immediately stop this self-staged charade of false accusations and self-aggrandisement, and stop going further down the wrong path of undermining China-UK relations,” the embassy spokesperson said.
The warning comes amid renewed scrutiny of Chinese espionage in the UK, following the collapse of a high-profile case against two men accused of spying for Beijing and ongoing controversy surrounding China’s request to build a major new embassy complex in London.
Security minister Dan Jarvis told the House of Commons that “earlier today, MI5 issued an espionage alert” to lawmakers and parliamentary staff, warning of “ongoing targeting of our democratic institutions by Chinese actors.”
“Our intelligence agencies have warned that China is attempting to recruit and cultivate individuals with access to sensitive information about parliament and the UK government,” he added.
According to the MI5 alert, Chinese intelligence officers “often masked through the use of cover companies or external headhunters” have been approaching potential targets, with LinkedIn identified as a key platform. MI5 also pointed to two online profiles “believed to be legitimate headhunters working for Chinese intelligence officials” who were attempting to form relationships with UK political figures.
The government said the alert was issued to pre-empt and disrupt the alleged espionage activity. It follows frustration among lawmakers and MI5 officials over the dropping of charges against two men—including a parliamentary researcher—accused of spying for China. Beijing had also previously denied the accusations in that case.
Jarvis outlined new steps “to disrupt and deter the threats” from China and other hostile states, including tighter oversight of political funding and enhanced security briefings for political parties. He warned that British universities are being targeted by China as well, with efforts to influence research and “interfere with activity on campus.” The government will soon hold a “closed event” with university leaders to discuss the risks.
He added that the UK is “ready” to counter the “dangerous and unrestrained offensive cyber ecosystem that China has allowed to take hold,” saying the government “will not shy away from using all tools at our disposal.”
The warnings come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government faces questions over balancing national security with Chinese investment. A decision on Beijing’s proposed new London embassy complex—already facing public opposition—is expected next month.
Multiple Western countries have accused China of engaging in espionage and state-backed hacking campaigns aimed at harvesting sensitive technology and monitoring critics abroad.
*With Agency Inputs
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