London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – China has accused Britain of “creating trouble” over the Prince Andrew spy scandal, urging the UK to end “anti-China political manipulations.”
After the identity of a Chinese businessman known as H6 was revealed on Monday, the Chinese embassy in London condemned some UK MPs for having a “twisted mentality towards China.”
Prince Andrew’s links to an accused spy became the latest scandal for the Duke of York, following Mr Yang’s expulsion from the UK over national security concerns in 2023.
The High Court in London removed a non-disclosure order on Monday in the scandal of a businessman linked to Prince Andrew, who faces allegations of being a spy.
Yang Tengbo, the man at the heart of the dispute, requested the court lift the secrecy order to challenge what he describes as “ill-founded” accusations against him.
As reported by the Independent, Sir Starmer expressed concern over the challenges posed by China but stressed the need for a balanced approach, cooperating where needed and challenging when necessary.
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said on Sunday that Britain’s ties with China are “complex,” highlighting the need for economic relations while taking a firm stance on national security.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former Tory leader, accused the Labour government of being too soft and weak to criticize China.
Before the anonymity order was removed by the court, several MPs were considered using legislative immunity to name Yang.
Yang denies being a Chinese spy, amid accusations that he is a part of the United Front Work Department, a section of the CCP accountable for overseas influence.
Yang’s case became highlighted after he requested his expulsion from the UK at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, but his appeal was rejected this Thursday.
Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah, will not attend the traditional Christmas royal gathering at Sandringham this year, as a gesture of solidarity.
After the revelation of the H6 identity, many parliamentarians have expressed concerns about the Chinese Communist Party’s rising influence in Britain, especially through political funding, business dealings, propaganda, and universities.
Lain Smith, who is banned from China, stated that Mr Yang was “not a lone wolf” in his activities.
Downing Street said the government’s commitment to tackling threats posed by anyone to the UK.
In response to the Chinese embassy statement’s, the prime minister’s official spokesman stated,
“I am not going to comment on individual intelligence cases, but as the security minister said in the House yesterday, where there are individuals who pose a threat to our national security we are absolutely committed to using the full range of powers available to disrupt them.”
They continued,
“We will always take an approach to these things that is rooted in the national interest and put national security and public safety first.”
The Guardian reports that a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy said,
“The united front led by the [CCP] endeavours to bring together various political parties and people from all walks of life, ethnic groups and organisations to promote cooperation between the [CCP] and people who are not members of it and promote people-to-people exchanges and friendship with other countries.”
The case of Yang has sparked questions about how the British government handles influential Chinese individuals, especially as security services warn of the risks posed by China’s political interference.
Prime Minister Sir Keir justified his government’s approach to Beijing, adding,
“It’s important to engage.”
Last month at the G20 summit in Brazil, Sir Starmer became the first UK prime minister to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Foreign Secretary Lammy visited China for two days in October.