“The actions taken by these individuals, on behalf of China, represent a breach of our sovereignty and will not be tolerated,” Jarvis remarked.
“We will persist in holding China accountable and will confront them directly regarding actions that jeopardize the safety of individuals in our nation.
“That is why the Foreign Office will summon the Chinese Ambassador to emphasize that activities like this are, and will always be, unacceptable on UK territory.”
Two individuals, including a British immigration officer, were found guilty in a London court on Thursday for espionage on behalf of Hong Kong and ultimately China, focusing on notable pro-democracy activists now residing in Britain.
Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, 65, and Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, 40, who served in the UK Border Force, were convicted of aiding a foreign intelligence service by conducting surveillance on targets between December 2023 and May 2024.
Both men, who hold dual Chinese and British citizenship, denied the allegations, while the Chinese embassy in London has accused the UK of fabricating charges against them.
They are reportedly the first individuals to be convicted of espionage for China in the UK, according to local media. Wai and Yuen are scheduled for sentencing at a later date and could face up to 14 years in prison.
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The jury at London’s Old Bailey court was unable to reach a verdict on another allegation of “foreign interference” involving an attempt by Hong Kong authorities to force entry into the home in northern England of a woman accused of fraud in the city.
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