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Ex-Diplomat Warns UK: China’s Hostile Influence Grows

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Chen Yonglin, a former Chinese diplomat who defected in 2005, warns the UK about the Chinese regime, describing it as extremely hostile.
He says China monitors dissidents abroad and seeks to influence Chinese students in the UK and steal scientific research.
China denies the threat.
Chen argues the regime's totalitarian nature will not change.
The UK government has delayed a decision on a new Chinese embassy amid these concerns.

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Story summary

Chen Yonglin, a former Chinese diplomat who defected in 2005, warns the UK about the Chinese regime, describing it as extremely hostile.
He says China monitors dissidents abroad and seeks to influence Chinese students in the UK and steal scientific research.
China denies the threat.
Chen argues the regime's totalitarian nature will not change.
The UK government has delayed a decision on a new Chinese embassy amid these concerns.