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The Lover Who Was Never A Woman: A French Diplomat and a Chinese Spy
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
Bernard Boursicot, a French diplomat, spent 18 years unknowingly passing secrets to Shi Pei Pu, a Chinese opera star and spy he believed was a woman. Their affair inspired the play and film M. Butterfly.
Key points
- Boursicot handed over 150 documents to Shi over 18 years.
- Shi Pei Pu was born in 1938 in Shandong, China.
- The affair began in 1964 when Shi met Boursicot at the French embassy.
- Shi claimed to be pregnant and later had a child, whom Boursicot accepted as his own.
- Both men were arrested in 1983, revealing Shi's true identity.
- Boursicot attempted suicide upon learning the truth.
Key insights
- The case illustrates the risks involved in personal relationships within diplomatic circles.
- It raises questions about identity and deception in espionage.
- The affair's adaptation into a play and film indicates its cultural significance.
Why it matters
This story highlights the complexities of espionage and personal relationships in international diplomacy.
Tags
Entities
Bernard Boursicot· PersonShi Pei Pu· PersonChina· CountryFrance· CountryM. Butterfly· Event
Source
Times Now
