OMM Newsroom
China has lodged a formal diplomatic protest over British border officials questioning Chinese citizens for extended periods and seizing personal electronic devices, including phones, laptops and smartwatches, AnewZ reports.
The protest by China’s embassy in London comes as Beijing says Chinese citizens entering Britain have faced discriminatory and politically motivated treatment. The embassy said those subjected to checks included business representatives, tourists and people visiting relatives, indicating that the inspections were not limited to individuals suspected of breaking the law.
The embassy said British border officials cited the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 to justify the checks. The law gives officers at ports the power to stop, question and search people without reasonable suspicion.
Beijing has raised similar concerns before. In December 2025, China’s embassy warned its citizens that British border authorities could inspect travel documents and electronic devices, including phones, computers and smartwatches, under counterterrorism laws.
The latest protest indicates that Beijing believes the practice is continuing and has moved beyond issuing travel warnings to formally challenging the British authorities.
The dispute comes as British intelligence officials issue increasingly frequent warnings about alleged Chinese espionage and interference. About a week before the embassy’s latest statement, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum singled out China in his annual threat assessment, accusing it of “espionage, coercion or interference in democratic processes.” He warned that Britain’s strength in science and research made it a particular target.
McCallum’s remarks reflected growing concern in London about what British security officials see as a persistent threat originating from Beijing. China’s embassy rejected the allegations.
“China strictly adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, poses no threat to any country and has no interest in interfering in Britain’s internal affairs,” the embassy said in a statement.
Beijing urged Chinese citizens to protect their belongings and personal information, familiarise themselves with British border rules and seek consular assistance if necessary.
The dispute adds to tensions between London and Beijing at a time when security concerns are taking an increasingly prominent place in bilateral relations.
In June, two people were convicted of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. The case concerned the alleged surveillance of Hong Kong activists in Britain and involved an officer of the UK Border Force who worked at Heathrow Airport.
The convictions have heightened concerns in Britain about alleged Chinese intelligence operations and strengthened calls for tighter security measures.
The use of counterterrorism powers at British borders has long been criticised, in part because officers can conduct certain checks without reasonable suspicion. Critics say the powers may allow people to be selected on the basis of nationality or ethnicity and have questioned how those subjected to additional checks are identified.
Beijing’s protest could increase pressure on the British government to explain how these powers are used and what safeguards are in place. For now, the dispute highlights the divide between Britain’s national security priorities and China’s demand that its citizens be treated fairly.
