Europe Confronts Surge in Chinese Espionage

As Chinese President Xi Jinping continues his diplomatic engagements in Europe, visiting Serbia as part of his tour, the continent finds itself enmeshed in a deepening crisis of confidence towards China. This mistrust has been fueled by recent disclosures of widespread Chinese espionage activities aimed at infiltrating sensitive political, military, and technological domains in several European countries.

In a striking revelation this week, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that British military payroll systems had been compromised by what he described as a “malign actor,” with considerable evidence suggesting that Chinese operatives were behind the breach. This incident has sent shockwaves through the UK, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical national infrastructure.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the situation appears equally grim. The arrest of three German nationals suspected of funnelling sensitive technological data to Chinese handlers underscores the pervasive reach of Beijing’s intelligence network. Compounding these concerns, the apprehension of Jian G., an aide to German MEP Maximilian Krah from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has exposed potential espionage within political circles, which Krah has vehemently denied any involvement in.

Belgium, too, has not been spared. Following investigative reporting by prominent media outlets, a criminal probe has been launched into Frank Creyelman, a far-right politician allegedly used as a pawn by Chinese intelligence for several years. These incidents collectively portray a continent increasingly wary of Chinese intentions and actions.

Experts, including Martin Thorley from the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime, warn that such activities have been ongoing for years but were often overlooked due to Europe’s economic ties and dependency on China. “The issue has festered too long under the radar because of uncomfortable market and supply-chain connections with Beijing,” Thorley stated.

The sentiment was echoed by Roderich Kiesewetter, a German MP and former army officer, who criticized the German intelligence services for their delayed response in addressing these warnings about China. Kiesewetter also suggested that publicizing the recent arrests before Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Beijing might have demonstrated a firmer stance.

The scope of Chinese operations in Europe is extensive, ranging from traditional espionage to complex “grey zone” activities, including influence peddling and transnational repression. According to Nigel Inkster, former MI6 deputy chief, these efforts have intensified amidst growing European apprehension about Chinese policies following events such as the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, the human rights situation in Xinjiang, and China’s geopolitical maneuvers concerning Russia and the Ukraine conflict.

These espionage efforts are broadly aimed at aligning global political and economic trends with Chinese interests, gathering intelligence on pivotal industries, and monitoring Chinese diaspora populations, particularly minority groups like Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Hongkongers. The dual threat faced by these diaspora communities—xenophobia in foreign lands coupled with targeted repression from Beijing—creates a chilling atmosphere of insecurity and surveillance.

China, for its part, has dismissed these allegations as “malicious slander.” However, the evidence presented by European intelligence agencies paints a different picture, illustrating a sophisticated and strategic approach to intelligence that prioritizes subtle manipulation over overt disruption.

This ongoing saga of espionage not only strains diplomatic relations but also poses significant national security challenges for Europe. As leaders and intelligence officials grapple with these complex threats, the delicate balance between maintaining diplomatic relations with China and protecting national interests continues to teeter on a precarious edge.