Two men accused of being Chinese spies appear in London court

26/4/2024 18:30

        Two men accused of spying for China, including a former researcher for a prominent British lawmaker in the governing Conservative Party, appeared in a London court on Friday.
        
        The two, ex-researcher Christopher Cash, 29, and Christopher Berry, 32, are charged with providing prejudicial information to China in breach of the Official Secrets Act.
        
        Cash and Berry appeared at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court for a brief hearing where they spoke only to confirm their names and addresses. They did not enter a plea.
        
        Both were released on bail until a hearing at London's Old Bailey court on May 10. Cash was told by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring that he must not contact any lawmakers, save for his local representative and only about local issues. He was also told not to contact any other parliamentary staff.
        
        Anxiety has mounted across Europe about China's alleged espionage activity - which Beijing has repeatedly denied - and Britain has become increasingly vocal about its concerns in recent months.
        
        Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that reports of Chinese espionage in Europe were "hype" and "intended to discredit and suppress China".