The alleged Chinese spy with connections to Prince Andrew, Yang Tengbo, has stated that he has committed “nothing wrong or illegal” and denies being a spy.
Following the lifting of restrictions by the High Court, Yang Tengbo’s identity was revealed publicly for the first time, after being previously known as “H6” due to a court-imposed anonymity order.
Politics live: What we know so far about Yang Tengbo
Yang requested his legal team to disclose his identity due to the rampant speculation and misinformation in the media. He recently lost an appeal challenging the decision to prevent him from entering the UK on national security grounds.
Yang stated, “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are unfounded. The widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue.”
He attributed the accusations to the strained political relations between the UK and China, highlighting how he feels welcomed when relations are good but excluded during times of tension.
“When relations sour, an anti-China stance is taken, and I am excluded,” he added.
The pressure to reveal Yang’s identity increased after threats to do so were made in Parliament. The High Court decided to lift the anonymity order, stating that the ongoing proceedings had served their purpose.
Yang pictured with former prime ministers
Yang had been seen alongside former prime ministers like David Cameron and Theresa May. Spokespeople for both politicians mentioned that they interact with numerous individuals at events and could not recall the specific circumstances of their interactions with Yang.
China ‘UK’s most prominent security threat’
The lifting of anonymity occurred before Sir Iain Duncan Smith brought up the issue of the Chinese spying group Yang is linked to in Parliament. He urged for stricter measures against Chinese influence and emphasized the need to address China as the UK’s most prominent security threat.
Minister Dan Jarvis confirmed that a foreign influence registration scheme is set to commence in the summer, requiring individuals promoting the interests of other countries to declare themselves. He acknowledged the complex threats faced by the UK from foreign states, aligning with current comments by Sir Keir Starmer regarding relations with China.
Yang statement ‘not worth paper it’s written on’
Professor Anthony Glees highlighted the potential risks posed by individuals like Yang and emphasized the need for vigilance against hostile states using long-term infiltration strategies. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the allegations, stating that China operates with honesty and integrity.