China has dismissed allegations that a businessman used his connections with Britain’s Prince Andrew to conduct espionage for Beijing, labeling the claims as “preposterous.” This statement comes amid rising concerns from the UK government regarding the allegations against Yang Tengbo, a businessman previously banned from entering Britain.
During a visit to Norway, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed Britain’s apprehensions about the challenges posed by China but emphasized his commitment to engagement with Beijing. “We are concerned about the challenge that China poses,” he stated.
A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, Lin Jian, responded to the accusations, asserting that “the development of China-UK relations is in the common interests of both countries” and is beneficial for global economic growth. He urged the UK to focus on cooperation and mutual benefits.
Yang Tengbo, who reportedly attended Prince Andrew’s birthday party, defended himself in a statement, claiming he had “done nothing wrong or unlawful” and was merely a victim of a shifting political landscape. He rejected the label of “spy,” expressing a desire to appeal the UK’s decision and noting he had chosen to waive his anonymity. Starmer reiterated that Britain’s approach to China includes cooperation on critical issues like climate change while also addressing challenges when necessary.
On Thursday, British judges upheld the ban on Yang’s entry, concluding that the government had justifiable reasons for his exclusion, as he was considered capable of facilitating relationships that could enable political interference by the Chinese state. The ruling referred to Yang only by the codename H6 and stated that he had previously met with former Conservative Prime Ministers David Cameron and Theresa May.
Yang criticized the inconsistent treatment he received, stating that he was welcomed during periods of good relations but excluded when tensions arose. The opposition Conservative Party has criticized Starmer’s China strategy, with former leader Iain Duncan Smith claiming that Yang’s case is indicative of broader espionage activities by Beijing in the UK.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy countered the criticism, affirming that the UK recognizes the threat posed by China and has raised concerns with the Chinese government. Starmer, who assumed office in July following a decisive Labour victory, became the first British prime minister since 2018 to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, aiming to restore bilateral ties that have deteriorated over issues such as trade, human rights, and Beijing’s actions in Hong Kong. Both London and Beijing have previously accused each other of espionage threats, reflecting the ongoing diplomatic tensions.
