Media: UK government drops spy case to avoid damaging relations with China
The Financial Times cited government sources, saying authorities have dropped the investigation into British politicians suspected of "Chinese espionage" activities to avoid harming trade and diplomatic relations with Beijing.
The newspaper said that despite concerns that hostile countries have already infiltrated the core of the UK's governance system, the Starmer government has completely suspended the investigation into British politicians suspected of "Chinese espionage" activities in order to protect the UK's trade and diplomatic relations with Beijing.
On September 15, due to insufficient evidence, the UK prosecutors announced the dismissal of charges against two British men accused of being "Chinese spies" in 2023, and both were released without charge. Previously, there was a wide controversy between Starmer's international security advisor and the representative of the UK Foreign Office who wanted to continue the investigation.
At a press conference on June 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia Kun emphasized that China and the UK are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major world economies, and developing bilateral relations and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation is in the interest of both countries and the world. I would like to emphasize that China adheres to the path of peaceful development, does not pose a threat to any country, and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. China is willing to develop Sino-British relations on the basis of mutual respect and proper handling of differences, but we will not accept any defamation, smear campaigns or baseless accusations.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845190275376202/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.