The identity of an alleged Chinese spy with connections to Prince Andrew has been revealed as Yang Tengbo, following a British court ruling to lift his anonymity. Tengbo, who was barred from the United Kingdom on national security grounds, had reportedly developed an "unusual degree of trust" with the Duke of York, raising alarm over potential foreign influence within British institutions.
Yang Tengbo, described as having ties to China's United Front Work Department (UFWD), a branch of the Communist Party tasked with gaining influence abroad, had visited Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Windsor Castle. He had also attended Prince Andrew's 60th birthday party in 2020, where he was reportedly authorized to act on the Duke's behalf in business dealings with Chinese investors. The revelations have deepened scrutiny over Beijing's attempts to influence British politics and prominent figures.
In a statement released through PA Media, Tengbo denied any wrongdoing, saying, "The widespread description of me as a 'spy' is entirely untrue." However, the UK government remains resolute in its stance. At a tribunal hearing last week, officials argued that Tengbo's close relationship with Andrew posed a threat to national security, citing his potential to establish connections between high-profile UK figures and senior Chinese officials for political interference.
The British High Court ruling to reveal Tengbo's identity was issued last Thursday, with Judge Stephen Smith, Sir Stewart Eldon, and Mr. Justice Bourne dismissing his appeal to remain anonymous. The decision follows growing concerns in Westminster about the extent of Beijing's infiltration efforts. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee has previously reported that China is actively targeting British politicians and influential figures to ensure alignment with the Communist Party's narratives.
The case has sparked criticism from key figures in the UK government and opposition. Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith referred to it as "the tip of the iceberg" during an urgent question in the House of Commons, warning that similar cases of espionage are likely widespread. "The reality is that there are many, many more involved in exactly this kind of espionage that's taking place," Duncan Smith told the BBC.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern over the case but reiterated his government's balanced approach toward China. "Our approach is one of engagement, of cooperating where we need to, particularly on issues like climate change, challenging where we must, particularly on human rights, and competing on trade," Starmer said on Monday. He had previously met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November, marking the first such meeting for a UK prime minister in six years.
The allegations against Tengbo come amid heightened awareness of China's growing influence operations in the UK. In 2023, a report revealed that Christine Lee, a lawyer linked to the Communist Party, had worked to interfere in British political processes. Two men, including a parliamentary researcher, are also awaiting trial for breaching the Official Secrets Act on behalf of China, charges they deny.
In Tengbo's case, evidence presented during the tribunal included correspondence found on his devices when he was stopped at a UK port in November 2021. One letter, reportedly from Prince Andrew's adviser, Dominic Hampshire, referenced Tengbo's attendance at the Duke's birthday party and implied that he could represent Andrew's interests in dealings with Chinese investors.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of King Charles III, who has been briefed on his brother's connections to Tengbo. The royal family has remained silent on the matter, but a spokesperson for Prince Andrew stated last week that the Duke "ceased all contact" with Tengbo as soon as concerns about his activities were raised. The statement emphasized that their meetings occurred through "official channels" and involved no discussions of a sensitive nature.
Yvette Cooper, the UK Home Secretary, declined to comment directly on Tengbo's case but affirmed the government's commitment to addressing security threats. "Our security and intelligence agencies are continually vigilant for any threat to UK national security, whether that be around foreign influence, espionage, or any security challenge," she said.
