UK intelligence agency MI5 has issued an alert to lawmakers about the growing threat of Chinese intelligence operatives using LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms as part of a broader espionage strategy. According to the MI5 warning, the Chinese Ministry of State Security is employing LinkedIn profiles, recruitment agents, and consultants to target UK lawmakers and other officials for information gathering and long-term relationship-building. The alert was shared with the House of Commons Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, who emphasized the targeted and widespread nature of the activity. MI5 identified specific LinkedIn profiles, including those of Amanda Qiu and Shirlly Shen, as part of the effort. The agency highlighted that the campaign is not limited to lawmakers, with economists, think tank consultants, and government officials also being targeted. Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis announced that the government is rolling out a series of measures to counter the threat, including a significant investment in encrypted technology for civil servants to safeguard sensitive work. Opposition parties, however, have expressed concern that the response is inadequate and that authorities are overly cautious in their approach to protect trade relations with China.