MPs Warned of Chinese Security Threats via LinkedIn and Embassy Plans in London
Simon Whelband, a Conservative councillor and aide to MP Neil O'Brien, reported a suspicious LinkedIn message from an account named Shirly Shen to Parliament's security services and was advised to block it. The message offered a job opportunity but was poorly written; Whelband noted that junior staff might mistake such messages for legitimate offers.
MI5 has warned MPs and Lords that Beijing may target Parliament, identifying two LinkedIn profiles, Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, as potential fronts used by Chinese security services for recruitment. This alert was circulated to MPs and peers by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Lords Speaker Lord McFall.
During a Commons debate, security minister Dan Jarvis acknowledged cross-party concerns including suspicions about Chinese-made buses equipped with potential kill switches and Chinese-made military vehicles possibly containing listening devices. Additionally, there are concerns that China is seeking planning permission for a large embassy in central London near sensitive data cables serving the City of London.
Parliament has recently discussed the collapse of a court case involving two men accused of spying for China, one of whom worked in Westminster; both denied wrongdoing. The government continues to pursue a pragmatic approach to China, with Labour advocating warmer ties. Senior officials have visited Beijing, and the Foreign Office chief has recent connections to China, highlighting the challenge of balancing engagement with security risks.
