Yang Tengbo: Who is alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew?

Background and career

Born in 1974 in Chuxiong, Yunnan, Yang studied Chinese literature at Yunnan University before working as a civil servant. He later studied public administration at the University of York. Yang founded Hampton Group International in 2005 and serves as the executive chairman of the UK Chinese Business Association. He is seen as a “bridge” between UK and Chinese businesses and has attended government-linked events in China.

Yang maintains that the UK is his “second home” and denies any harmful intent.

Legal battle and allegations

In 2021, Yang was stopped at the UK border, and authorities seized his devices. They linked him to the United Front Work Department (UFWD), a Chinese agency involved in influence operations. His honorary membership in the 48 Group Club, promoting UK-China trade, was also scrutinized. In 2023, the UK government revoked his residency, citing national security concerns. Yang has challenged this decision, arguing that he has not been given full access to the evidence.

Connection with Prince Andrew

Yang first met Prince Andrew in 2014 and later became involved with the Pitch@Palace initiative. He played a role in launching the Chinese version of the project. A letter from Prince Andrew’s adviser, Dominic Hampshire, described Yang as key in fostering UK-China relations. UK authorities saw this as potential leverage for political interference by Beijing.

Prince Andrew claimed to have “ceased all contact” with Yang after government advice, though the exact timing remains unclear.

Yang’s defense

Yang has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, stating that while he was once a member of the Chinese Communist Party, he was never instructed to interfere with UK affairs. He criticized the UK’s handling of his case, calling it “inconsistent and erratic” and argued his work promoted trade and job creation in the UK. He described the allegations as “entirely unfounded” and emphasized that stories of success should be celebrated, not punished.

The Chinese government has dismissed the allegations, with a spokesperson stating that the claims are “unjust hype.”

Yang is continuing to challenge the UK’s decision, with legal proceedings ongoing.

(With inputs from BBC)