Chinese networking club in Brussels flagged as espionage front: Report
Synopsis
A networking club quietly cultivating EU business and political elites in Brussels is reportedly drawing scrutiny from Western intelligence for links to China's United Front — the same party network flagged in multiple Belgian espionage probes. With guests spanning a Chinese EV giant, a Dutch chipmaker, and NATO-adjacent figures, the 'Global CEOs Dinner Club' is now expanding to France, raising fresh alarms about Beijing's influence operations at the heart of Europe.
Key Takeaways
The 'Global CEOs Dinner Club' in Brussels , run by Yifei Yang , reportedly bears hallmarks of China's United Front influence network, according to a Western intelligence source cited by Euronews .
The club's guest list includes executives from NIO , TAJCO , and Netherlands-based chipmaker Nexperia , with links to Belgian and EU politics.
Belgium's Federal Prosecutor's Office has recently launched espionage probes involving Chinese-linked individuals at NATO and in the semiconductor sector.
French investigative outlet La Lettre reported that Yang's activities are under close observation by a Western intelligence service.
Yang denied any Chinese backing, calling the club 'neutral' and 'value-driven,' with 10 per cent of revenue directed to NGOs and charities.
The club is now expanding to France , potentially extending its reach to another major EU capital.
A Chinese-run networking club targeting business and political elites in Brussels bears the hallmarks of an influence and intelligence-gathering operation, according to a report by Euronews citing a Western intelligence source. The organisation, called the 'Global CEOs Dinner Club', is now expanding to France and is said to operate in a manner associated with China's United Front — a Communist Party network used to promote Beijing's interests abroad.
What the Club Does and Who Runs It
The 'Global CEOs Dinner Club' was established in Brussels by Yifei Yang, who has studied in China and at a private European institute in Nice, France. Since March of this year, the club has brought together corporate figures and individuals connected to Belgian and EU politics at events covering topics ranging from sustainability and diversity to technology and artificial intelligence.
Its guest list reportedly includes prominent figures such as Hui Zhang, vice-president of Chinese electric vehicle maker NIO; Melanie Schuttenberg, a board member of Danish car components company TAJCO; and Ole Gerkensmeyer, Chief Strategy Officer of Netherlands-based chipmaker Nexperia. Yang said the organisation currently has 20 members from countries including France, Belgium, Denmark, Japan, China, and Singapore. Annual membership costs €2,400 for individuals and €5,000 for companies.
Intelligence Concerns and United Front Links
French investigative news portal La Lettre reported last week that Yang's activities are under close observation by a Western intelligence service. According to the Euronews report by journalist Peggy Corlin, Yang's modus operandi reflects patterns associated with China's United Front Work Department — a Communist Party apparatus known for promoting Chinese interests through organisations and individuals abroad, with some of its activities also reportedly linked to the gathering of information for Chinese intelligence services.
This comes amid a broader wave of espionage investigations in Belgium. The country's Federal Prosecutor's Office has recently launched several probes, including investigations into a former Chinese-Belgian researcher in the semiconductor industry and a Canadian national of Chinese origin working at NATO headquarters in Mons.
Yang's Response
Contacted by Euronews, Yang denied that China was behind the club, insisting, 'we are neutral,' and adding that its objective was to have an 'impact on society' and 'build sustainable business.' She described the organisation as 'value-driven,' noting that 10 per cent of its revenue goes to NGOs and charities.
Why This Matters Beyond Brussels
The report adds to a growing body of European concern about Chinese soft-power and intelligence operations embedded within legitimate-looking commercial networks. Belgium's position as host to both EU institutions and NATO makes it a particularly sensitive environment for such activities. Notably, semiconductor and defence-adjacent industries — sectors directly represented in the club's guest list — are at the centre of Western efforts to restrict Chinese access to critical technologies. The 'Global CEOs Dinner Club''s expansion to France suggests the network, if its alleged ties are confirmed, could broaden its reach to another major EU capital with significant defence and technology assets.
Point of View
Making attribution difficult and legal action harder. What stands out here is the guest list — a Dutch chipmaker's CSO and a Chinese EV executive at the same table in the EU's political capital is not coincidence-level networking. Belgium has become a frontline state for Chinese intelligence activity precisely because it hosts both EU institutions and NATO, yet European counter-intelligence has historically been slower to act than its Anglo-Saxon counterparts. The club's expansion to France, if unchecked, could mean a second node in a network that mainstream coverage is only beginning to map.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Global CEOs Dinner Club' in Brussels?
It is a networking organisation founded by Yifei Yang in Brussels that brings together business executives and individuals connected to Belgian and EU politics. A Western intelligence source cited by Euronews says it bears the hallmarks of a China United Front influence and intelligence-gathering operation, though Yang denies any Chinese government backing.
What is China's United Front and why is it significant?
China's United Front Work Department is a Communist Party apparatus designed to promote Beijing's interests abroad through organisations and individuals, including business and diaspora networks. Some of its activities have also been linked to intelligence gathering for Chinese security services, according to Western intelligence assessments.
What espionage cases is Belgium currently investigating?
Belgium's Federal Prosecutor's Office has launched several recent espionage probes, including investigations into a former Chinese-Belgian researcher in the semiconductor industry and a Canadian national of Chinese origin who worked at NATO headquarters in Mons.
Who are the prominent members associated with the club?
The club's guest list reportedly includes Hui Zhang, vice-president of Chinese EV maker NIO; Melanie Schuttenberg, a board member of Danish auto components firm TAJCO; and Ole Gerkensmeyer, Chief Strategy Officer of Netherlands-based chipmaker Nexperia. The club currently has 20 members from France, Belgium, Denmark, Japan, China, and Singapore.
What has Yifei Yang said in response to the espionage allegations?
Yang denied that China is behind the club, telling Euronews 'we are neutral' and describing it as 'value-driven,' with its goal being societal impact and sustainable business. She added that 10 per cent of the club's revenue is donated to NGOs and charities.
