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The identity of an alleged Chinese spy, previously known as H6, has been revealed as Yang Tengbo. An anonymity order had previously protected his identity, but a High Court judge ruled he could be identified. Mr. Yang denied the allegations that he was a spy and instead blamed the “political climate” for his situation. Last week, a national security court upheld a 2023 ban on him entering the UK because of suspicions that he was involved in an “elite capture” operation, a tactic used by the Chinese state to exert influence in western nations.
How Mr. Yang met Prince Andrew and formed an “unusual degree of trust” is not clear. However, Mr. Yang was invited to the prince’s birthday party in 2020 and was told he could act on Prince Andrew’s behalf when dealing with potential investors in China. According to a letter found on one of Mr. Yang’s confiscated devices, one of Prince Andrew’s advisors told him: “Under your guidance, we found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor.” However, Prince Andrew said that he had “ceased all contact” with the businessman and that everything was “through official channels” and “nothing of a sensitive nature had ever been discussed.”
Mr. Yang’s lawyer stated that his client would still appeal his banning order. Moreover, a former Conservative leader warned that Mr. Yang could be the “tip of the iceberg” of those in the UK doing the same job. The United Front Work Department, an arm of the Chinese Communist Party which Mr. Yang is thought to have been associated with, is tasked with conducting influence operations. Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis stated that the UK government would use the “full range of powers” available to disrupt individuals that pose a threat.
The UK government was also pressed on the foreign influence registration scheme, which would require foreign lobbyists to disclose details of their activities. Jarvis confirmed the scheme would be implemented by the summer. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that the government had been working on the scheme “from day one in government” and there would be an update “shortly.” He stated that the government was “concerned about the challenge that China poses.
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