UK accuses three of spying for Hong Kong, leader reacts
The UK has accused three individuals of spying for Hong Kong, prompting a response from the city's leader as tensions rise between the two nations.
Hong Kong’s leader addressed the situation on Tuesday following the charging of three individuals by British police for allegedly spying on behalf of the city’s intelligence services.
The three men appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ court in London on Monday, facing charges related to national security offenses, including allegations of assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service, as stated by the city’s Metropolitan Police.
Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, 38, Matthew Trickett, 37, and Chung Biu Yuen, 63, have been accused of foreign interference. The statement did not specify who the men were allegedly spying on.
In recent years, relations between Hong Kong and Britain have deteriorated. This follows mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020.
The British government has expressed disapproval of Hong Kong's Beijing-supported suppression of nearly all dissent in the years following the demonstrations. Meanwhile, Hong Kong officials have shown annoyance at Britain offering a sanctuary for pro-democracy figures wanted by the Hong Kong police.
On Tuesday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee dismissed the British allegations against three individuals as untrue, calling them a "fabrication."
"The Chinese Embassy in London issued a statement strongly rejecting and condemning the UK's false allegations against the Hong Kong government. Lee emphasized China's firm stance on the matter."
Chi Leung Wai leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, on May 13, 2024.
Chi Leung Wai leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, on May 13, 2024.
Yui Mok/AP
Matthew Trickett leaving Westminster Magistrates' Court, central London, on May 13, 2024.
Matthew Trickett leaving Westminster Magistrates' Court, central London, on May 13, 2024.
The Chinese Embassy strongly condemned the United Kingdom's "unwarranted accusation against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government" in a statement issued on Monday.
The three men are accused of agreeing to gather information, conduct surveillance, and deceive others in a way that could help a foreign intelligence service between December 20, 2023, and May 2, 2024, as reported by PA media.
Additionally, on May 1, the trio allegedly broke into a residential address in the UK, according to PA.
All three individuals were given bail, but they are not allowed to travel abroad. District Judge Louisa Cieciora stated that they must follow a nighttime curfew and check in weekly at their local police station.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Hong Kong leader Lee mentioned that one of the accused was the office manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. However, he did not address a question about whether the office was involved in monitoring Hong Kong dissidents in the UK.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is speaking at a press conference on April 30, 2024.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is speaking at a press conference on April 30, 2024.
Lee, the city’s former security chief, explained that Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Office in the UK helps to support cultural and economic connections with individuals and businesses. He also emphasized that any unjust accusations against the Hong Kong government are not tolerated.
The men have been charged by the Metropolitan Police for assisting the foreign intelligence service under the UK National Security Act.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, stated that arrests were made and searches conducted across England as part of the investigation. The Counter Terrorism Policing network, although based in London, played a critical role in disrupting the activity. Close collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service has been ongoing since the beginning of the investigation.
Met Police said the investigation is ongoing but added there is no threat to the wider community.
Editor's P/S:
The charges against three individuals for allegedly spying on behalf of Hong Kong's intelligence services have ignited a diplomatic storm between the city and Britain. The accusations further strain the already tense relations between the two governments, which have been marred by disagreements over Hong Kong's political and social landscape. The arrests and subsequent charges have sparked concerns about the growing influence of foreign intelligence services and the potential erosion of trust between nations.
The British government's disapproval of Hong Kong's suppression of dissent has been a major point of contention, while Hong Kong officials have expressed frustration over Britain's sanctuary for pro-democracy figures. The mutual distrust has created a challenging environment for cooperation and dialogue, with both sides accusing each other of undermining their respective interests. The ongoing investigation and the potential consequences for those charged will undoubtedly impact the diplomatic relations between Hong Kong and Britain, highlighting the complexities of international espionage and the delicate balance of power between nations.
