Chinese spies targeting civil servants and military staff on job websites, MI5 warns

Intelligence services have warned that agents are posting jobs for foreign policy or defence analysts roles in legitimate-looking think tanks or private businesses.

The Chinese spies are then believed to pressure job candidates to hand over "non-public" information as part of the "recruitment" process.

And even if the candidate has no access to classified information, details of government policy or military strategy could compromise national security, the Five Eyes have warned.

The bulletin read: "China's military intelligence services ultimately seek to acquire privileged military, political and economic intelligence that can provide China with a strategic and tactical advantage over the Five Eyes."

The type of workers targeted are those with security clearance holders, especially those who specialise in defence, foreign affairs and security and intelligence.

Other targets include military personnel, especially those who have been stationed in the Indo-Pacific region and could have knowledge of regional capabilities and activity.

Those with indirect or peripheral access to information, including academics, journalists, freelance writers, think tank employees, or those with links to defence, security, policy and economic sector are also at risk.

After posting the job ads, agents scan CVs to find applicants who may have useful information, the bulletin said.

Interviews are done virtually as recruiters conceal their true identities, probing candidates for key details including access to government contacts, or military activities.

Job hopefuls are asked to write trial reports on topics such as China's relations with other countries, defence or trade, before being pushed for more sensitive information.

The conversation is then moved to more encrypted messaging platforms, with recruits paid between a few hundred to several thousand dollars per report on online payment platforms.

The warning comes as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper concluded her state visit to China - where members of the Foreign Office delegation used "burner" phones on the trip over security fears.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats both called for the release of pro-democracy activist and outspoken Chinese Communist Party critic Jimmy Lai - a British citizen who has been held in prison since 2020.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: "Cooper should be pushing for the release of Jimmy Lai but Labour lack the backbone to stand up to China. Only the Conservatives will put our country first."

And Lib Dem Foreign Affairs Spokesman Calum Miller said: "Standing up for British citizens, international law, and fundamental democratic values is the very definition of a principled and robust foreign policy.

"That should have started with the Foreign Secretary demanding the immediate, unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, whose imprisonment violates free speech and the Sino-British Joint Declaration."

Ms Cooper on Wednesday vowed to continue raising 78-year-old's case with China, insisting she would stay in communication with his family.

The Foreign Secretary said: "I have raised this and will continue to raise Jimmy Lai because this is a very important case to us.

"Our case remains we want to see his release as soon as possible, he's a very elderly man."

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