An alleged Chinese spy, said to have formed a close bond with Prince Andrew, has been identified by a British court as Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang.
Yang co-founded Pitch@Palace China, an initiative led by Prince Andrew to support entrepreneurs.
During a tribunal hearing on Thursday that upheld the decision to bar Yang from the U.K., it was revealed that Yang had an “unusual degree of trust” with Andrew and was authorized to represent him in business dealings with Chinese investors. Yang also attended Andrew’s 60th birthday party in 2020.
Officials discovered documents on Yang’s phone detailing his interactions with Andrew. Despite the allegations, Yang denies being a spy, calling the claims “entirely untrue.” Prince Andrew’s office stated he ended contact with Yang following government advice, adding that “nothing sensitive was ever discussed.”
The case has renewed debate over the U.K.’s foreign influence registration scheme, a security law set to take effect in 2025. Critics, including former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, argue the law will be ineffective unless China is officially designated a high-risk country. The Treasury has resisted this designation, citing concerns over economic ties with China, the U.K.’s fifth-largest trading partner.
China’s Embassy dismissed the allegations, accusing U.K. officials of promoting “anti-China sentiment” and undermining normal relations.
