British security officials have warned that Chinese spies are bugging public places in central London, including parks and hotels, to gather government secrets.
According to sources cited by the Daily Mail, locations targeted by Beijing include five-star hotels such as the Corinthia near Trafalgar Square and the newly opened Raffles on Whitehall.
The Red Lion pub, located near Parliament and popular with Members of Parliament, was described by one source as “full of Chinese agents.”
Officials have also raised concerns about bugs hidden in St James’s Park, which sits near Downing Street, the Foreign Office, and the Treasury. The park is a common lunch spot for government researchers and civil servants.
“We have been told the Chinese literally have the park bugged, with devices in the bushes and under park benches,” one source said.
Chinese spies are said to target junior government staff, such as Commons researchers, whom they see as easier to manipulate. Other foreign intelligence services, including Russia and Iran, reportedly use similar tactics.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail also reported that doctors treating British soldiers have been targeted by Chinese hackers seeking access to confidential patient records. In response, some have been advised to avoid using mobile phones during appointments and to rely on paper records to protect sensitive information.
The reports of China’s alleged espionage activities come amid escalating tensions between the U.K. and China. The British government recently assumed control of British Steel’s blast furnaces after its Chinese owner, Jingye, failed to secure new agreements and reduced its purchases of raw materials.
