China’s ambassador has been summoned by the UK Foreign Office, after three people were accused of assisting Hong Kong’s intelligence services.
In a meeting with Zheng Zeguang, the Foreign Office officials condemned a “recent pattern of behaviour” by China, including cyber-attacks.
On Monday, three men in the UK were charged with offences under the National Security Act.
Hong Kong called on UK officials to provide “full details” of the charges.
China, under which Hong Kong operates as a special administrative region, has refuted the allegations that the city’s intelligence service was involved.
The Foreign Office said it told Mr Zheng that the “recent pattern of behaviour directed by China against the UK, including cyber-attacks, reports of espionage links and the issuing of bounties” was “not acceptable”.
Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, 38, Matthew Trickett, 37 and Chung Biu Yuen, 63, are accused of agreeing to undertake information gathering, surveillance and acts of deception that were likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence service between 20 December 2023 and 2 May.
The men did not enter pleas and were granted bail until 24 May, when they are due to appear at the Old Bailey.
District Judge Louisa Cieciora imposed conditions including a 10:00 to 05:00 curfew, reporting weekly to their local police station, no international travel and informing police of devices used to access the internet.
Downing Street said the charges were “deeply concerning” and that the prime minister “thanks the police for their work keeping us safe”.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy described the charges as a “fabrication” and an “unwarranted accusation” against Hong Kong.
