Spy claims are absurd - China

TIES: PRINCE ANDREW'S CONFIDANT YANG SUSPECTED

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China yesterday said claims that a businessman had used his links with Britain's Prince Andrew to spy for Beijing were "preposterous", after the UK government voiced mounting concerns over the allegations.

Details emerged last week about Andrew's relationship with Yang Tengbo, a businessman and alleged spy, who had been banned from Britain.

Asked about the case while on a visit to Norway, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was concerned about the challenge that China poses" but defended his approach of "engagement" with Beijing.