LONDON - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed to be “acutely aware” of the “particular threat” posed to his country by China, as his government faced fresh allegations about the activities of an alleged Chinese spy who worked in Parliament, the heart of Britain’s political system.

But his reassurances failed to stem an increasingly angry political dispute that threatens to derail Mr Sunak’s desire to place Sino-British relations on a more predictable path.