The collapse of a high-profile espionage case involving British nationals passing sensitive information to China has sparked criticism from UK intelligence officials and MPs, who cite insufficient evidence and question whether China posed a threat at the time.

During these meetings, Prince Andrew expressed hopes of enhancing cooperation with China, while Cai Qi described efforts to build a 'golden era' in bilateral relations.

Photographs show Prince Andrew shaking hands with Cai Qi, who is accused of orchestrating espionage activities from Westminster, raising questions about the nature of their relationship.

Intelligence sources suggest that Christopher Cash obtained sensitive information through his work with the China Research Group, passing it to Christopher Berry and ultimately to Cai Qi via a Chinese operative known as 'Alex'.

Prince Andrew's connections to China have been scrutinized for years, including alleged ties to Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was detained in 2021, and evidence suggesting Andrew's involvement with Chinese investors.

Court documents linked Andrew to Yang Tengbo, raising concerns about his potential involvement in espionage activities and his friendship with suspected spies.

Despite the collapse of the espionage case, UK officials maintain that Chinese espionage remains a serious threat, with MI5 describing China as a persistent threat involving cyber and covert operations.

The recent developments have intensified scrutiny of the UK’s diplomatic ties with China, especially as questions about espionage and intelligence activities continue to cast a shadow over UK-China relations.

MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum emphasized that Chinese state actors continue to pose a daily national security threat to the UK through cyber espionage, technology transfer, and covert interference.

The espionage investigations involved meetings during which British individuals Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash were accused of passing intelligence to China, with Cai Qi allegedly receiving this information.

Cai Qi, a prominent Chinese government figure and former mayor of Hangzhou, played a significant role in the espionage activities and diplomatic engagements involving Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew met Cai Qi at least three times during 2018 and 2019 in London and Beijing, including during a 2018 goodwill visit and a subsequent trip to China, with discussions focused on strengthening China-UK relations and boosting technological cooperation.