Germany arrests three suspected of spying for China

The German authorities have detained several individuals suspected of espionage activities, including an aide to a far-right Member of the European Parliament. Jian G, identified only by his first name and initial, was arrested on suspicion of passing information about negotiations and decisions to China in January. He is listed as an accredited assistant to MEP Maximilian Krah and has also been accused of spying on Chinese opposition figures in Germany.

Three German citizens have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Chinese intelligence services and violating German export laws. The group is suspected of passing on technical military know-how to Chinese authorities in return for money and exporting a laser bought in Germany to China without permission. The arrests come amid rising concerns in European capitals over Chinese surveillance practices and economic and geopolitical policies. The dismantling of this alleged military-technology spy cell highlights the limits of Berlin's efforts to re-engage with Beijing.