Summary
The trial against two British men accused of spying for China was dropped because the U.K. government did not label China as a national security threat. The case relied on evidence that China was seen as a threat during the alleged espionage, but no government officials would testify to this effect. The men maintain their innocence, and the Chinese Embassy rejects the accusations.
Key Facts
- Two British men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, were accused of spying for China.
- They were charged under the Official Secrets Act for actions between 2021 and 2023.
- The trial collapsed because the U.K. government would not declare China a national security threat.
- The government said China was a "strategic challenge" but not an official "threat."
- The case ended just before the trial started, raising concerns about political interference.
- The men and China’s Embassy denied the allegations, calling them false.
- Under previous leadership, the U.K. government did not formally label China a security threat.
- British intelligence has increased warnings about Beijing's covert activities.
