China has criticised the United Kingdom over the conviction of a former Hong Kong police officer accused of spying on dissidents in Britain on behalf of Beijing.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chinese embassy in London described the ruling against Chung Biu Yuen as a “political move” aimed at damaging China’s image and supporting anti-China activists living in the UK.
The embassy said the conviction was an abuse of the legal process and accused British authorities of manipulating the judiciary for political reasons. According to the statement, the decision was intended to encourage individuals seeking to destabilise Hong Kong while also smearing the Chinese government.
Yuen, also known as Bill Chung, was convicted by a London jury alongside Peter Wai after a trial that lasted several weeks. The pair were found guilty of assisting a foreign intelligence service.
The case revealed allegations that Yuen, a former Hong Kong police superintendent aged 65, and Wai, 40, carried out “shadow policing” operations in Britain. Prosecutors said the activities targeted Hong Kong dissidents and pro-democracy activists living in exile.
Reacting to the ruling, the Chinese embassy said it had lodged formal complaints with the British government and urged London to stop what it called “anti-China political manipulation”.
Beijing also warned that it would take “necessary measures” to protect its interests following the verdict.
