German intelligence agency warns industrial sector against naivety in relations with China

The intelligence agency has warned German companies to beware of industrial espionage from Beijing, noting in particular that confidential documents could be in danger when traveling to China. This was reported by UNN with reference to Handelsblatt and Reuters.

Details

In Germany, business companies and politicians are being urged to be very vigilant in dealing with authoritarian states such as China. The warning was issued by the German domestic spy agency, a few days after three German citizens were arrested on suspicion of transferring military technology.

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) emphasizes a number of methods - classical espionage, cyberattacks, creating economic dependencies, and siphoning off technology - used by Chinese intelligence services.

We are increasingly witnessing attempts to influence politics, business, and science through illegitimate means, as well as classic espionage

According to the official, Germany's intelligence services have numerous examples of how "perhaps too optimistic and positive an attitude toward trade with China has led to the fact that these companies have been virtually liquidated.

During an event on China's influence on the security of German companies, Sinan Selen noted that Chinese firms insist that they are completely private, but in fact they are all subject to and supported by Chinese state interests.

Recall

Former German intelligence officer Carsten L. denies charges of spying for Russia and receiving money for passing German state secrets to the occupying country.

A 43-year-old assistant to an AfD MEP was detained in Dresden on suspicion of spying for Chinese intelligence by passing on informationabout negotiations and decisions in the European Parliament.