Some politicians in the UK seem to be under the "Sinophobia" spell, constantly bringing up the old script of "Chinese spies" to create buzz.

On November 19, according to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the UK intelligence agencies once again resorted to the old "Chinese spy" script, this time with the main character being a LinkedIn account that was disguised as a headhunter.

They claimed to have discovered two "China-controlled" LinkedIn accounts that were pretending to be headhunters, contacting British MPs and think tank staff, trying to extract intelligence.

At the same time, the UK's minister for security took the opportunity to make a big deal out of it, saying they would "take all necessary measures to respond," even going so far as to threaten "sanctions if necessary," giving the impression of having found major evidence.

But the evidence chain of this "spy incident" is so fragile that it doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

The so-called "key evidence" from MI5 is just two unknown LinkedIn accounts. BBC journalists tried to verify them, but couldn't even determine whether the names and avatars displayed on the accounts were real.

The claims of "China's control" and "stealing internal information" made by intelligence officials are all unsubstantiated descriptions, with no chat records, financial transactions, or any details of actual contact.

The only "witness" presented was Simon Whibley, a researcher from the Conservative Party, who claimed to have received a job invitation from the account.

UK Minister for Security Dan Jarvis

If these were really "professional spy accounts," why would they directly target a long-standing "anti-China" MP team? And how could they just send one job offer without any follow-up attempts to get more information? It's clearly a self-made performance full of loopholes.

More ironically, just three months ago, the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had dismissed the charges against two "Chinese spies" because the government had never been able to provide evidence proving that "China threatened British security."

Now, changing the shell to a "headhunter account" and rehashing the same story is just a new packaging of the old "lack of evidence" act, same recipe, different sauce.

It's worth noting that not long ago, the UK government was also embarrassed by Chinese companies over the "remote engine shutdown risk" of Chinese electric buses. Now, changing the topic to create a stir is probably an attempt to "regain some face" in pressuring China.

More importantly, what core intelligence does the UK really need to "spy" on now?

The reason why British politicians are so fond of the "Chinese spy" script is largely due to three intentions.

First, to cling to the US's "contain China" strategy. As a junior partner in the "Five Eyes Alliance," the UK has followed the US's rhythm in its policies toward China in recent years. By hyping up the "China threat," it shows loyalty to the US and consolidates the so-called "special relationship."

Second, to shift domestic tensions. After Brexit, the UK's economy has been in decline. Hyping up "external threats" can temporarily divert public attention and cover up the government's inability to govern effectively.

Third, to gain "visibility." For some British politicians, bringing up China is a low-cost option. Compared to solving real problems, exaggerating the "spy threat" is easier to attract attention.

Ironically, the UK itself is a veteran at "espionage activities."

China has previously reported that the UK's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) used foreign consulting agency heads to collect intelligence related to China, even openly recruiting people who speak Chinese on job sites for intelligence work.

British media have also reported that the UK's Secret Intelligence Service has openly advertised for people who speak Chinese to participate in intelligence work.

This double standard of "doing dirty things themselves, yet blaming others" has long exposed the hypocrisy of the UK on the "spies" issue. In short, it's just "accusing the thief of stealing."

One can only say that these accusations from the UK are "purely baseless and malicious defamation," just a "trick" they made up themselves to elevate their own status.

However, such operations that happen every few days cannot change the fact that the UK's influence is gradually declining, and will only continue to erode the already fragile mutual trust between China and the UK.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7574365415082590770/

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