A Chinese-run networking club in Brussels that brings together business executives, investors and political figures has drawn attention from Western intelligence officials over concerns that its activities could potentially be linked to influence-building or intelligence gathering, according to recent reports.The Global CEOs Dinner Club, founded in Brussels by Chinese national Yifei Yang , has hosted high-level networking events involving business and political figures. A Western intelligence source told Euronews that the club's activities show characteristics associated with China's United Front network, which Beijing uses to promote its interests abroad.The allegations have not been independently established as proof of espionage. Yang has denied that China is behind the club and said it is neutral and focused on building business relationships and having an impact on society.Key HighlightsThe Global CEOs Dinner Club operates in Brussels and targets business and political elites.Western intelligence concerns about the club were reported by Euronews.A source compared some of its activities to the modus operandi associated with China's United Front.Club founder Yifei Yang denied that the organisation is controlled by China.The club has hosted events involving business executives, policymakers and technology leaders.Belgium has recently faced several investigations involving alleged Chinese espionage.The club is reportedly looking to expand its activities into France.Brussels Networking Club Draws Intelligence AttentionThe Global CEOs Dinner Club began operating in Brussels in March and has organised events covering subjects including technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability and diversity.According to Euronews, the club has attracted people connected to Belgian and European politics as well as executives from major companies. The organisation is now reportedly seeking to expand into France.An intelligence source told Euronews that the activities described to them resembled methods associated with China's United Front. The United Front is a Communist Party network involved in promoting Beijing's interests overseas, while Western authorities have also raised concerns about some organisations and individuals connected to it being used for information gathering or influence operations.Club Founder Rejects China LinksYifei Yang, who runs the networking organisation, rejected suggestions that the club is an arm of the Chinese government.Speaking to Euronews, Yang said the organisation was neutral and described its purpose as building sustainable business relationships and creating an impact on society.Reports say Yang studied in China and later attended a private European institute in Nice, France, before establishing the club in Brussels. Her activities had previously attracted the attention of at least one Western intelligence service, according to French media reports cited by Euronews.Business and Political Figures Among GuestsThe club has organised dinners and networking events involving senior figures from the business and technology sectors.One event focused on China-EU electric vehicle relations and brought together business leaders, policymakers, technology executives and investors. Reported participants included NIO vice-president Hui Zhang, TAJCO board member Melanie Schuttenberg and Nexperia chief security officer Ole Gerkensmeyer.The organisation's access to influential professional circles is one reason its activities have attracted scrutiny, particularly in Brussels, where the European Union and NATO are headquartered.Belgium Faces Wider Chinese Espionage ConcernsThe concerns surrounding the networking club come against a wider backdrop of Belgian security agencies monitoring Chinese intelligence and influence activities.Belgium's State Security Service has previously warned that Chinese intelligence operations in Brussels can involve multiple actors, including China's Ministry of State Security and the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party. Its 2025 intelligence report said Chinese intelligence activity in Brussels takes different forms and includes efforts to obtain sensitive economic, scientific and technological information.Separately, Intelligence Online reported that the Brussels-based Chinese head of an exclusive business club had attracted the attention of a Western intelligence service and raised concerns among officials at European institutions.The latest reports therefore place the Global CEOs Dinner Club within a broader debate in Europe over foreign influence, intelligence gathering and access to sensitive professional networks.
