# China’s shadow war: Ice picks in suburbia | Episode Three

An episode of [The Slow Newscast](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1487320403), 2 Apr 2026, 33 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/the-tortoise-podcast/e/69cd4ba2057b5949955b0f4e/media.mp3

A businessman from Tunbridge Wells is accused of leading a double life. He’s secretly recorded planning a brutal attack with ice picks on behalf of the Chinese state. His story takes a dramatic turn with a high-stakes escape. To enjoy the Slow Newscast ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription. You’ll get access to: This series and all our podcasts before anyone else Ad-free listening Premium newsletters Puzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crossword Exclusive offers from our partners Tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or online Or subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to all our podcasts, including this one, without any ads. Reporters - Alexi Mostrous and Frankie Vetch Producer - Jonathan Lewis Additional production - Amalie Sortland Sound design - Dominic Delargy Podcast illustration - Shonagh Rae Editor - Jasper Corbett Credits - Voice of America, CBS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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