Tensions between the UK and Beijing have escalated over recent weeks over issues such as China’s treatment of the Uyghur community, the controversial Hong Kong security law and the ongoing Huawei debate.
Back in May, UK Government officials were believed to have begun drawing up plans to phase out the Chinese-controlled mobile phone network despite agreeing to a role in delivering 5G networks.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also criticised the Communist nation over its new Hong Kong security law.
Mr Johnson vowed to offer millions of Hong Kong residents a path to UK citizenship.
Now, one of Parliament’s most forthright critics of China has been subjected to a series of letters sent to his home.
Tom Tugendhat, the chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, was one of the loudest voices opposing the involvement of Huawei in the development of Britain’s 5G telecoms system on security grounds.
Posting a copy of one of the letters on Twitter, Mr Tugendhat believes there is an underlying threatening message.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “I’m getting letters sent from Hong Kong to my home.
“The content is anodyne but the message from Ambassador Liu Xiaoming’s Ministry of State Security friends is clear.
READ MORE: China sends waves of fear across the EU in plot to stop ‘new cold war’
“Although he means well, God reveal in his eyes your light and love.
“May he find peace in knowing you. Our father have your way on the earth and may your will be done.
“May your kingdom and power come into his life. Drive away the fear and threats.
“May Tom speak love into UK government foreign policy and turn a corner from future animosity.
“In love and Christ, Hong Kong and China.”
Mr Tugendhat has repeatedly called for the Government to stand up to Beijing.
Back in June, the MP for Tonbridge and Malling published a five-point plan for confronting China.
He argued to reduce access to UK universities for Chinese students as well as protecting British firms from Chinese takeovers.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused China of “coercive bullying tactics” towards the UK.
He said in June: “The United States stands with our allies and partners against the Chinese Communist Party’s coercive bullying tactics.
“In the latest example, Beijing has reportedly threatened to punish British bank HSBC and to break commitments to build nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom unless London allows Huawei to build its 5G networks.
“Beijing’s aggressive behaviour shows why countries should avoid economic over-reliance on China and should guard their critical infrastructure from CCP influence.”
