China dismisses UK's $800m 'Chinese spying' probe claim as 'smear' and 'groundless accusation'

When asked to comment on a UK report which alleged that Chinese spying has risen in recent years and Foreign Minister David Lammy has told parliament that his administration is investing US$800 million into the investigation as a result, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday reaffirmed China's steadfast commitment to the path of peaceful development. "China never poses a threat to any country, nor dose it interfere in other countries' internal affairs," Guo stated.

"Both China and the UK are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world. To grow bilateral ties and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation is in the interest of the two countries and the rest of the world," said Guo at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.

"China stands ready to grow its ties with the UK based on mutual respect and proper management of the differences, but we never accept any smear or groundless accusation," Guo noted.