**BREAKING: UK Government Confirms Investigation into Cyber Incident Amid Allegations of Chinese Hacking**

In a statement released on Friday, the British government confirmed that it is investigating a "cyber incident" following reports that hackers linked to China had gained access to thousands of confidential documents held by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The investigation, which began in October, has been met with growing concerns over the potential implications for national security and diplomatic relations. Trade Minister Chris Bryant sought to downplay the severity of the situation, stating that there is a "fairly low risk" that anyone's personal information has been compromised.

However, The Sun newspaper had previously reported that Storm 1849, a hacking gang allegedly linked to the Chinese government, may have accessed sensitive information related to tens of thousands of visas. When questioned by the BBC about the allegations, Bryant was cautious in his response, stating: "That is pure speculation, and I'm really not wanting to inflame more speculation."

The timing of this revelation comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Britain's relationship with China. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government has been working to rebuild trade and diplomatic links that have been strained by concerns over Chinese spying and human rights abuses.

Starmer is reportedly set to travel to China in late January, marking the first visit by a British prime minister since 2018. The decision has raised eyebrows among critics who argue that it sends the wrong signal about Britain's commitment to standing up for its values in the face of Beijing's aggressive behavior.

In another development, the government has delayed a decision on China's plans to build a massive new embassy in London amid concerns that it could be used as a base for espionage. Bryant emphasized that the UK is taking a pragmatic approach to its relations with China, recognizing areas where the two countries can work together and others where Britain must challenge Beijing.

"I think our relationship with China has to be one with our eyes wide open," he said. "And we've been very clear on that from the beginning."

The UK's response to this cyber incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat of cyber attacks and the need for governments to remain vigilant in protecting sensitive information.