Congress has been put on high alert following the exposure of a suspected espionage plot by Beijing in the British Parliament. This revelation underscores the escalating threat posed by Chinese spies to the sanctity of democratic institutions worldwide.
Earlier this week, a parliamentary researcher with connections to Members of Parliament privy to classified information was apprehended under suspicion of spying for China.
The suspect, who remains unnamed and uncharged, is believed to have ties with several Conservative MPs, including Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Alicia Kearns.
While none of these members have been implicated in any wrongdoing, the incident has sparked a significant investigation by the Metropolitan Police and prompted MI5 to issue warnings about potential operatives infiltrating the highest echelons of British democracy.
EXCLUSIVE – Chinese spy threat to U.S. CONGRESS: Capitol Hill warned to be on high alert after suspected Beijing espionage plot was uncovered in British parliament https://t.co/Wpwn1UTU3l pic.twitter.com/sWl4tMR3Ct
— Matt Davio (@MissTrade) September 17, 2023
This incident has sent shockwaves across the Atlantic, prompting heightened vigilance within the US Congress. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time that Chinese espionage has made headlines in the US.
Representative Eric Swalwell had previously been linked to a suspected Chinese spy named Fang Fang, while Senator Diane Feinstein employed a spy as her driver in California for two decades.
Representative Mike Gallagher, who chairs the House Select Committee on the Communist Party, emphasized the importance of educating Congress members and staff about the nature of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) espionage.
He stressed the need for increased awareness, particularly in light of the recent UK incident.
The threat of Chinese espionage is not to be underestimated. Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society think tank in the UK, warned that it’s easier for Chinese spies to access American secrets through US lawmakers than most would believe.
Well done to the Police and MI5 for uncovering this spy operation that goes to the heart of Government.
Lets hope they are not forgetting about Lucia Hunt who is Chinese and is on the payroll of the Chinese Communist Party CCP and is married to British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt who… pic.twitter.com/4B5QmcEIMN
— Jim Ferguson (@JimFergusonUK) September 10, 2023
He urged Congress to treat the threat from China on par with that from Russia, highlighting the need for vigilance and thorough background checks for those hired by politicians.
The Chinese government’s sophisticated and extensive global spy network has already breached high levels of government, as evidenced by the cases involving Senator Feinstein and Congressman Swalwell.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against such infiltration attempts.
