A new report alleges that Chinese intelligence services covertly accessed and monitored mobile phones used by senior UK government officials over several years, raising concerns about prolonged foreign surveillance at the heart of Downing Street.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Chinese intelligence operatives allegedly hacked and monitored the mobile phones of senior officials inside the UK government across multiple administrations between 2021 and 2024, according to a report by London’s Daily Telegraph. The report states that officials serving under former prime ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak were affected as part of what has been described as a wide-ranging global espionage operation.
While it remains unclear whether the personal devices of the prime ministers themselves were compromised, a source cited in the reporting said the alleged infiltration extended “right into the heart of Downing Street,” suggesting senior-level exposure within the British government. It is also not yet known whether Chinese operatives were able to access the content of text messages or listen to phone calls.
Even without direct access to communications, the report notes that such a breach would have enabled the collection of metadata and geolocation information, potentially revealing officials’ movements and contact networks. Security officials have previously warned that this type of data can be highly valuable for intelligence purposes.
The alleged hacking campaign, known as Salt Typhoon, is reported to have targeted not only the United Kingdom but also other members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. U.S. authorities have warned that data obtained through similar operations could allow Chinese intelligence services to identify, track and monitor targets’ communications and movements globally.
Washington has further cautioned that Chinese cyber operations often involve maintaining “persistent, long-term access” to communications networks, raising concerns that surveillance of British government systems could still be ongoing.
The revelations come amid continued scrutiny of the governing Labour Party’s handling of relations with Beijing. In 2022, alleged Chinese agent Christine Lee was revealed to have donated £700,000 to the Labour Party as part of what authorities described as a Westminster influence operation. At the time, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said, “If there’s one Chinese spy in parliament, you can bet your life there’s a lot more than that.”
In October, the Labour government also faced accusations that it had undermined an investigation into two alleged Chinese spies, including a parliamentary researcher, amid concerns that the probe could damage prospects for a trade agreement with Beijing. Additional criticism followed last week after the government approved plans for a large new Chinese embassy complex in central London, despite warnings that it could become a hub for espionage activities.
Those concerns have been heightened by the proposed embassy’s proximity to sensitive data cables linking the City of London and Canary Wharf, two of the country’s most important financial centers.
The report surfaced as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer prepares to travel to China, becoming the first UK leader to do so since 2018. UK-China relations deteriorated in subsequent years over issues including the erosion of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong, a former British colony.
Ahead of the visit, Starmer told Bloomberg News that the UK would not be forced to “choose between” strengthening trade ties with China and maintaining its close relationship with the United States. He said Britain would continue to uphold “close ties” with Washington on defence and economic matters, while arguing that ignoring China “wouldn’t be sensible.”
The trip comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a hard line on China-related trade, recently warning of sanctions against Canada if its government proceeds with a trade deal with Beijing.