The UK’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has issued a stark warning to British lawmakers about an escalating espionage threat from China. In a recent alert, MI5 revealed that Chinese operatives are actively using professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, recruitment agencies, and front companies to ‘recruit and cultivate’ individuals within the UK government, parliament, and other influential sectors. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle emphasized that these efforts aim to gather sensitive information and establish long-term relationships to further China’s strategic interests. The alert specifically named two individuals, Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, as key figures in these espionage activities. Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis condemned the covert operations as a calculated attempt by a foreign power to interfere with the UK’s sovereign affairs, vowing that the government would not tolerate such actions. This warning follows a high-profile case in September 2023, where charges against two men accused of spying for China were dropped due to the government’s refusal to testify under oath about China’s threat to national security. MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum has consistently highlighted the persistent threat posed by Chinese state actors, including cyberespionage, technology theft, and covert interference in UK public life. The UK’s intelligence community remains on high alert as it continues to counter these sophisticated espionage efforts.