Beijing warns of ‘firm response’ if UK further jeopardises ties as Hong Kong spying row deepens
- Embassy in London says Beijing has lodged stern representations with Britain over case involving worker with Hong Kong trade promotion office and two others
- Hong Kong leader warns countries that interfering in work of overseas economic offices will harm their own interests given city’s trade surpluses with nations
The Chinese embassy in London has warned of a “firm response” if Britain further jeopardises ties after its top diplomat was summoned by the UK foreign office over the prosecution of three men accused of spying on behalf of Hong Kong.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Tuesday Chinese Ambassador Zheng Zeguang had been summoned on the instructions of foreign minister David Cameron.
Hours earlier, Hong Kong’s leader warned that any attempts by countries to interfere in the work of its overseas economic offices would harm their own interests given the city’s trade surpluses with those nations.
“The FCDO was unequivocal in setting out that the recent pattern of behaviour directed by China against the UK, including cyberattacks, reports of espionage links and the issuing of bounties is not acceptable,” a spokesman said.
On Monday, China’s embassy in London said Beijing had lodged “serious” representations with Britain over the case, urging it to immediately stop all “anti-China political manipulation” and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizens in the country.
The embassy issued a statement later on Tuesday, saying Zheng made “further, serious representations” to the UK side on its “wrongful behaviour and unwarranted accusation” against the Hong Kong government during the meeting.
