A Union Jack flag flutters in front of the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, November 5, 2019.
"The government recognises that Chinese recruitment schemes have tried to headhunt British and allied nationals in key positions and with sensitive knowledge and experience," the government said.
The arrest of the young researcher, who denied being a spy, has led to calls by British members of parliament for a tougher stance on China.
Chinese spying efforts in Britain were once focused on the hacking and stealing of intellectual property, according to lawmakers.
But there has been a growth in human intelligence, targeting officials in senior positions, the lawmakers said.
Persons:
Hannah McKay, Sunak, Andrew MacAskill, Kylie MacLellan, Michael Holden
Organizations:
REUTERS, Conservative Party, Intelligence, Security Committee, ISC, Thomson
Locations:
London, Britain, China, Beijing