China hits back at European Union’s claim it has 250 spies working in Brussels
- Embassy in Belgian capital says it is ‘deeply shocked by the groundless and unfounded reports’
- EU’s diplomatic service made allegations on Saturday, according to German television company Welt
China has dismissed as “groundless” claims made by the European Union that it has hundreds of spies working in Brussels, the bloc’s de facto capital.
The Chinese mission to the EU issued a statement on Sunday in response to a report published a day earlier on the website of German television company Welt that said EU diplomats and military officials had been warned of “about 250 Chinese and 200 Russian spies” operating in the Belgian city.
The report cited information from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s diplomatic arm.
“We are deeply shocked by the groundless and unfounded reports,” the mission said on its website. “China always respects the sovereignty of all countries, and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.”
Beijing is committed to maintaining healthy and stable ties with the European Union, it said, adding that relevant parties should “treat China and China-EU relations in an objective and fair manner, and not make irresponsible remarks”.
According to the Welt article, most of the spies work either within embassies or local units of companies based in their home nations.
Diplomats were even advised to avoid certain parts of the city, including a popular steakhouse and cafe within walking distance of the headquarters of the European Commission and EEAS.