Bicycle Tour: The Chinese Man Who Fell Out the Window and Disappeared

Date: Saturday April 25

Time: 14.00-16.30

Location: The Hague City Center

How did a Chinese engineer end up seriously injured on the sidewalk of the Prins Mauritslaan? And why was he subsequently kidnapped from the Red Cross Hospital by Chinese diplomats? China expert Fred Sengers takes you on a bicycle tour through The Hague, visiting the key locations of a case that pushed diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and China to the breaking point: the Welders’ Affair (Lassers-affaire).

Armed with colorful anecdotes and revealing details, he will unravel this sensational case that dominated the front pages for weeks back in 1966. Along the way, he will share another salacious story: how the Dutch Intelligence Service (BVD) spent years infiltrating the Maoist movement, and how their mole managed to win the trust of the Chinese security service – even shaking hands with Mao. himself. Fred Sengers has published articles on both of these intrigues in the Historisch Nieuwsblad.

As the crowning touch, he will reveals the extreme efforts taken to prevent the discovery of BVD listening devices planted inside the Chinese Embassy.

Meeting point: Restaurant Gember, Stadhouderslaan 43 The Hague

Costs: €15 per person / €10 for VNC members

Note: Please bring your own bicycle or a rented OV-bike

Register here:

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