Two Chinese newspapers have claimed that British spies are embedded across Hong Kong, in every sector from the UK Consulate General to the judiciary, the media and the government.
Pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po reported that, “Not only did the activities of the British intelligence agency not stop after the handover, on the contrary, they increased.”
The reports, which were accompanied by pictures of James Bond actor Daniel Craig, cited little actual evidence, other than the fact that the architect who designed the British Consulate building in Hong Kong also designed the MI6 headquarters in London. Fishy!
According to a Wall Street Journal blog, the unusual accusations could be a response to comments made recently by British Minister of State Hugo Swire, whereby he affirmed that the UK “stands ready to support [Universal Suffrage in Hong Kong] in any way we can.”
Both Hong Kong and China seemingly took offence to the comments, countering with statements about Hong Kong being more than able to handle her own affairs, thank you very much. Swire’s attempted show of solidarity was cited by Wen Wei Po as an example of British interference.
However, such outlandish claims have not been completely pooh-poohed by the British Consulate in Hong Kong, which refused to “comment on intelligence matters”, when pressed by reporters.
Keep an eye out for guys in trench coats peeking through holes cut in newspapers!
Photo: brava_67 via Flickr
