Story perspectives

MI5 Warns of Daily Chinese Espionage Threats

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum warned in his annual speech that Chinese state actors pose a daily national security risk.
McCallum said prosecutors dropped the espionage case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry due to insufficient government testimony on China.
MI5 disrupted a Chinese plot last week.
McCallum noted a 35% rise in individuals under state-threat investigations.
He called for the UK to become a "hard target" against such threats.

History

Historical Context

The Chinese Espionage Act of 1917 marked a significant U.S. response to foreign espionage during World War I, leading to increased scrutiny of Chinese nationals and numerous deportations. Today, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum reports a 35% rise in state-threat investigations, highlighting ongoing national security concerns regarding Chinese espionage, which has evolved but remains a critical issue for Western nations.

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Story summary

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum warned in his annual speech that Chinese state actors pose a daily national security risk.
McCallum said prosecutors dropped the espionage case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry due to insufficient government testimony on China.
MI5 disrupted a Chinese plot last week.
McCallum noted a 35% rise in individuals under state-threat investigations.
He called for the UK to become a "hard target" against such threats.

1 / 2