Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, called on foreign governments to respect the city’s overseas-based trade offices after a staff member in its London branch was charged in Britain for allegedly working for the Chinese city’s intelligence service.
Lee demanded that the British government provide an explanation about the prosecution of Bill Yuen, the office manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, stating that any unwarranted allegations against the city’s government are unacceptable.
British police allege that Yuen, along with Chi Leung (Peter) Wai and Matthew Trickett, agreed to engage in information gathering, surveillance, and acts of deception likely to materially assist the Hong Kong intelligence service. The trio was charged under a new national security act, giving British police additional powers to tackle foreign espionage.
Speaking during his weekly news briefing, Lee emphasized the duties of the trade office in London, which include fostering ties with various sectors in Britain and promoting Hong Kong. He warned that any attempt to interfere with the office’s operations would harm the economies of countries involved.
The prosecution is expected to strain relations between Britain and China, with Chinese authorities in both the UK and Hong Kong criticizing the charges as groundless and slanderous. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed grave concern about the prosecution, calling on Britain to safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese nationals in the UK.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the UK and China, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warning of threats from authoritarian states, including China. Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997 has been a source of tension between Britain and Beijing, with critics alleging the erosion of freedoms promised under the agreement.
The three men charged were granted bail in a London court, with their next appearance scheduled for May 24. Reports suggest that Yuen is a former police officer in Hong Kong, although the specifics of his background remain unclear.
