Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry. Photo: CFP

Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, after UK Military Intelligence, Section 5 (MI5) is reported to have alleged that a British lawyer of Chinese descent is "involved in political interference activities" in the UK Parliament on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Some people may have seen too many James Bond films and made too many unnecessary associations, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press briefing on Friday. He stressed that China "has no need and will never engage in so-called political interference activities." 

It is very irresponsible to make groundless and alarmist remarks based on the subjective assumptions of individuals. China hopes that relevant British officials will refrain from making groundless remarks, let alone hyping the "China threat theory" for ulterior political purposes, Wang said.   

Citing sources from MI5, the BBC reported on Thursday that Christine Ching Kui Lee, who runs a law firm in the UK, has "established links" for the CPC with current and aspiring members of parliament. BBC said Lee made donations to politicians, with funding coming from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Lee is founder of British Chinese Project, which was established in 2006 and aims to encourage Chinese-British in the UK to take an active part in politics to ensure their voices are heard across British society.

"China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs. We have no need and never seek to 'buy influence' in any foreign parliament," a spokesperson from China's Embassy in the UK responded on Thursday, firmly opposing the "trick of smearing and intimidation against the Chinese community" in the UK.

Global Times