China Discovers Foreign Consultant Spying for Britain's MI6

China has detained a foreign consultant alleged to be spying for Britain's MI6, according to a statement from China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday.

The individual, referred to only as Huang, reportedly collaborated with MI6 since 2015, engaging in intelligence collection and asset recruitment within China.

The MSS accuses Huang of supplying the UK with 17 intelligence items, some classified as national secrets, and claims MI6 provided Huang with specialized training and equipment.

While specifics about Huang's identity and the consulting firm remain undisclosed, the individual did receive consular visits as permitted by law.

China has recently escalated its scrutiny on international consulting firms, with raids on businesses like Capvision and US firm Mintz Group. This action is in line with China's intensified regulation of information deemed crucial to national security.

The MSS has raised its public profile, notably with a WeChat account encouraging citizens to assist in countering espionage. The move follows a new counter-espionage law that has heightened concerns over legal risks for businesses in China.