The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the country’s actions have all been above board after a Chinese businessman with close links to British royal Prince Andrew was barred from the UK over security concerns. A 50-year-old man who had acted as a business adviser to the Duke of York was banned in 2023 on national security grounds, according to a legal judgment last week from a UK immigration appeals tribunal. The man’s name is being protected by court order and he was identified in the ruling only as “H6.”
China has strongly denied recent allegations of espionage in the United Kingdom, calling them fabricated and politically motivated. The accusations center around claims that Chinese operatives were involved in intelligence activities aimed at undermining UK national security. Beijing has labeled these claims as baseless narratives and has urged London to cease its anti-China political manipulation.
The controversy erupted following the UK’s arrest of individuals under its Official Secrets Act, accused of acting as agents for Beijing. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed the issue, emphasizing the need to protect British democracy and security. However, he refrained from labeling China a direct threat, despite mounting pressure from lawmakers, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has called for a tougher stance against Beijing. Critics argue that the UK’s policies toward China lack coherence, especially regarding national security concerns.
China, for its part, continues to deny all allegations, insisting its activities are legitimate and above board. The situation underscores broader geopolitical tensions, with economic considerations playing a significant role. The UK counts China as its fourth-largest trading partner, which has tempered calls for an outright hardline stance.
