[Text/Observer Network Xiong Chaoyi] Local time on June 15, the British government appointed Blaise Metreweli as the head of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). As a result, Metreweli became the first female leader in the 116-year history of MI6 since its establishment in 1909.

In a statement, the British government introduced that the 47-year-old Metreweli currently serves as the head of the technical department of MI6 and is codenamed "Q". She joined MI6 in 1999 and has spent most of her career on missions in the Middle East and Europe. After serving for five years, Richard Moore, the current head of MI6, will step down this autumn.

Reuters reported on the same day that after being about to lead one of the largest intelligence agencies in the West, Metreweli said: "I am proud and honored to be invited to lead my team." It is understood that she will continue to use the traditional codename "C" for the head of MI6.

Blaise Metreweli The Guardian

Currently attending the annual G7 Summit in Canada, UK Prime Minister Starmer said that Metreweli's appointment comes at a time when the UK is facing unprecedented threats. He said: "I know Blaise will continue to provide the outstanding leadership required to defend our country."

Reuters speculated that the biggest challenge Metreweli will face upon taking office may be dealing with Russia, China, and Iran. For example, the British intelligence agency accused Russia of launching sabotage activities across Europe to intimidate other countries and deter them from supporting Ukraine against Russia.

In fact, after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Richard Moore, who is still serving as the head of MI6, also hyped up the "China threat" under the pretext of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In July 2023, during a public event in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, he falsely claimed that China was a "co-conspirator" in Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the "main threat" facing the British government worldwide. He slandered China for using so-called "data traps" to acquire foreign data and deploying an "enormous intelligence network" overseas.

In July 2022, Moore also gave a speech at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, USA. At that time, he targeted China, claiming that MI6 had never had any illusions about China and that "containing China" had become MI6's top priority, surpassing counter-terrorism in importance.

In response to the UK officials hyping up the "China threat," the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the UK previously stated that China's development will bring more opportunities to all countries and pose no threat or challenge to any country. Attacking China does not solve the UK's own problems. We urge the UK side to spend more time understanding the real challenges facing the UK and think about how to address those challenges. We urge the UK to stop spreading anti-Chinese rhetoric, stop inciting confrontation and opposition, and avoid leading the Sino-British relationship astray.

Exterior view of the MI6 headquarters Wikimedia Commons

According to reports, along with MI5 and GCHQ, MI6 is known as one of the three major intelligence agencies in the UK. Previously, the other two British intelligence agencies have already seen female leaders take charge.

MI5 has had two female heads, the first being Stella Rimington in 1992 and the second being Eliza Manningham-Buller, who led the agency from 2002 to 2007. In 2023, the UK government also appointed its first female GCHQ director.

In addition, MI6, CIA, KGB, and Mossad are known as the "four major intelligence agencies in the world."

In the hands of novelists, many classic spy characters have appeared in MI6 - from George Smiley created by John le Carré to James Bond created by Ian Fleming. Thirty years ago, actress Judi Dench first portrayed the female head of MI6 in the 007 film "GoldenEye".

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516386751792693823/

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