China has accused Britain of recruiting a married couple employed by the Chinese central government to spy for its MI6 intelligence service. The Ministry of State Security (MSS) of China revealed the allegations, claiming to have cracked a “major espionage case.”
According to MSS, the couple, identified as Wang and Zhou, were allegedly approached by MI6 during Wang’s study exchange program in the UK. MI6 allegedly exploited Wang’s desire for money, gradually involving him in espionage activities and later recruiting his wife, who worked in a “core” government agency.
The case underscores the escalating tensions between China and the UK over espionage accusations and highlights China’s increasingly visible espionage countermeasures under Xi Jinping’s leadership.
1. China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) accuses Britain of recruiting a married couple employed by the Chinese government to spy for MI6.
2. The couple, identified as Wang and Zhou, were allegedly approached by MI6 during Wang’s study exchange program in the UK, exploiting his desire for money.
3. MI6 gradually involved Wang in espionage activities, offering high remuneration, and later recruited his wife, who worked in a “core” government agency, with promises of doubled rewards.
4. The case reflects the escalating tensions between China and the UK over espionage accusations and highlights China’s heightened vigilance against foreign infiltration.
5. Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, China’s MSS has raised its public profile and broadened its remit, making regular public declarations of dismantling foreign spying operations.
6. China’s MSS has accused Western spy agencies of pervasive espionage activities, including recruitment of Chinese nationals studying or working abroad, and has launched a social media campaign urging vigilance against foreign infiltration.
7. The case is under further investigation, and CNN has reached out to Britain’s Foreign Office for comment.
