MI5 Sounds Alarm on Chinese Espionage in UK Parliament

Britain's MI5 has issued a warning about Chinese espionage targeting lawmakers. Agents are posing as headhunters to collect information. The alert has prompted the UK government to develop a counterespionage plan. The situation intensifies as the government faces decisions about Chinese infrastructure in London.

The British MI5 security service has raised a fresh alarm about efforts by Chinese agents to gather intelligence and exert influence within UK parliamentary circles. Lawmakers have been cautioned about Chinese spies disguising themselves as headhunters or company representatives to establish connections, with two individuals even utilizing LinkedIn for extensive outreach on behalf of Beijing.

Speakers from both houses of Parliament disclosed that MI5 alleged active engagement by the Chinese Ministry of State Security with community members. Security Minister Dan Jarvis called the alert a 'covert and calculated attempt' by China to meddle in UK politics and announced a government plan to counteract the espionage threat.

This warning follows previous MI5 concerns about fake job advertisements designed to entice Brits into divulging sensitive information. As the UK government addresses potential security threats posed by a proposed new Chinese embassy in London, increased funding and stricter security measures are underway, including in academia, to combat foreign interference.

(With inputs from agencies.)