China expands its spy networks across the European Union and beyond
6 hours ago
- #Espionage
- #China-EU Relations
- #National Security
- At least 30 Chinese agents and collaborators were uncovered in Europe over two years, with arrests, expulsions, and trials in countries like Germany, Italy, and Greece.
- Chinese espionage has evolved to target technological innovations, critical infrastructure, political processes, and dissident networks, beyond traditional military and diplomatic secrets.
- Cases include the arrest of a German couple for military-tech theft, Huawei's alleged bribery to influence 5G bans, and a Greek colonel with NATO clearance spying for China.
- The EU faces structural vulnerabilities, with China's intelligence workforce estimated at up to 800,000, compared to 35,000–40,000 across EU states, focusing on sectors like semiconductors and AI.
- Espionage extends beyond the EU, with incidents in Norway and the UK, including tracking dissidents and infiltrating high-level circles, amid challenges balancing security and trade relations.
- Some EU countries, like Spain, monitor Chinese espionage closely but avoid public accusations, while experts warn that underestimating sovereignty defense encourages further Chinese operations.