International
Court Upholds UK Ban On Chinese Businessman Over Alleged National Security Risks
A Chinese businessman, identified only as H6, has lost his appeal against a UK ban imposed on national security grounds, according to a Special Immigration Appeals Commission ruling.
The businessman, described as a “close confidant” of Prince Andrew, was prohibited from entering the UK in March 2023. Judges determined that the former home secretary, Suella Braverman, was justified in her decision, citing concerns about H6’s potential risk to national security.
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H6 had reportedly developed a significant relationship with Prince Andrew, receiving an invitation to the prince’s birthday party in 2020 and being authorized to act on his behalf in dealings with potential investors in China. A letter found on H6’s electronic devices suggested he held a trusted position within the prince’s inner circle, stating he was “at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.”
Another document listed “main talking points” for a call with Prince Andrew, emphasizing the prince’s vulnerable state, advising: “Really important to not set ‘too high’ expectations—he is in a desperate situation and will grab onto anything.”
The ruling revealed that H6 was linked to the United Front Work Department (UFWD), an arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) known for conducting influence operations. MI5 had flagged concerns about China’s efforts to leverage relationships with UK figures for political interference. The Home Office argued that H6’s association with Prince Andrew posed risks of being exploited for such purposes.
H6’s devices, surrendered after a border stop in 2021, contained communications indicating he facilitated discreet interactions at Windsor. A document implied he could generate connections between Chinese officials and UK figures, raising alarms about potential misuse of his access.
The court upheld Braverman’s decision, concluding that H6’s exclusion from the UK was “justified and proportionate.” Judges highlighted that his relationship with Prince Andrew evolved during a period of heightened pressure for the prince, potentially making him susceptible to influence.
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The Chinese embassy in London criticized the allegations as “baseless ‘spy’ stories,” accusing the UK of attempting to “smear China” and disrupt normal interactions between the two nations. The embassy reiterated China’s commitment to fostering legitimate cultural and people-to-people exchanges, urging the UK to abandon the “China threat” narrative.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment, emphasizing Prince Andrew’s status as a private citizen and non-working royal.
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