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China's Alleged Hack of UK Officials Sparks Espionage Alert

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

China allegedly hacked the mobile phones of aides to UK prime ministers from 2021 to 2024, according to The Telegraph.
The operation, codenamed Salt Typhoon, reportedly compromised communications in Downing Street.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to visit China from January 28 to 31 to improve relations amid U.S. tensions and will meet President Xi Jinping.
MI5 issued an espionage alert in November 2022 regarding threats from China, but Beijing has not responded to the allegations.

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Story summary

China allegedly hacked the mobile phones of aides to UK prime ministers from 2021 to 2024, according to The Telegraph.
The operation, codenamed Salt Typhoon, reportedly compromised communications in Downing Street.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to visit China from January 28 to 31 to improve relations amid U.S. tensions and will meet President Xi Jinping.
MI5 issued an espionage alert in November 2022 regarding threats from China, but Beijing has not responded to the allegations.