Alleged Chinese Spy Linked to Prince Andrew Named as Yang Tengbo, Banned from UK

Dec 16, 2024, 04:06 PM

An alleged Chinese spy with close ties to Britain's Prince Andrew has been publicly named as 50-year-old Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, after a High Court judge lifted an anonymity order protecting his identity. Yang was banned from the UK in 2023 over national security concerns. He had developed a close relationship with Prince Andrew, attending his birthday party in 2020 and acting as his representative in dealings with potential investors in China. The revelation has renewed scrutiny of King Charles III's disgraced brother and has led to pressure on the UK government, with MPs calling for tougher measures against Chinese espionage. Yang has denied the allegations, stating he is not a spy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged concerns about the challenge China poses but stated that the UK's strategic approach is to engage with Beijing through cooperation, challenge, and competition. In light of the scandal, Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, along with their daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, will not be joining the Royal Family at Sandringham for Christmas this year.