December 16th 2024.
A court in Britain has revealed the identity of a suspected Chinese spy who had formed a close connection with Prince Andrew, causing quite a stir in the ongoing case that has raised concerns about China's influence in British institutions. The man in question, Yang Tengbo, was recently named after a judge ordered the removal of his anonymity, as reported by PA Media this morning.
During a separate court hearing last week, Tengbo was described as having developed an "unusual degree of trust" with the younger brother of King Charles III. The tribunal hearing on Thursday, which upheld a previous decision to ban Tengbo from entering the UK, also revealed that he had been given authority to represent Andrew in business meetings with potential Chinese investors and was even invited to the Prince's 60th birthday celebration in 2020.
Tengbo has denied any wrongdoing or unlawful activities, as stated in a statement given to PA Media. He also refuted the widespread label of being a "spy," claiming it to be entirely untrue. However, his alleged involvement has raised concerns about China's growing influence in British politics and institutions, a topic that has been gaining attention in Westminster in recent years.
In 2023, the UK's Intelligence and Security Committee released a report stating that China was actively targeting and influencing individuals within the British political system. Tengbo is believed to have worked for China's United Front Work Department (UFWD), a branch of the ruling Communist Party responsible for gaining influence both domestically and internationally. The report described the UFWD's efforts to ensure support for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) among foreign politicians and public figures, or at the very least, discourage criticism or opposition towards China.
This case is not an isolated incident, as there have been other instances of alleged infiltration by China in the UK. Two men, one of whom was a parliamentary researcher, are currently awaiting trial for breaching the Official Secrets Act on behalf of China, a charge they have denied. In 2022, MI5, the UK's spy agency, warned lawmakers about Christine Lee, a woman with ties to the CCP, who was allegedly working to interfere in the British political process.
Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, who raised this issue in an urgent question in the House of Commons on Monday, believes that this is just "the tip of the iceberg." He stated in an interview with the BBC that there are many more individuals involved in espionage activities similar to this. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed concern about China's actions, but maintained the country's approach of engaging and cooperating where necessary, challenging when needed, and competing in trade. In November, Starmer became the first prime minister to meet with China's President Xi Jinping in six years.
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