The Risk of Unofficial Espionage: Beijing’s Intelligence Activities in Western Countries Highlighted by Recent Arrest

Beijing’s extensive intelligence activities in Western countries are highlighted by the recent arrest of an assistant to German MEP Maximilian Krah, who is the main candidate for the far-right AFD party in the upcoming elections for the Strasbourg assembly. This “unofficial” espionage is made possible by a 2017 rule that requires all Chinese citizens living abroad to cooperate and provide information to their home country. This law allows Beijing to request all Chinese citizens and companies to collaborate with national intelligence structures.

According to Cyber Security expert Antonio Teti, author of the essay ‘China Intelligence’, this law states that organizations and citizens must support, assist, and cooperate with national intelligence work while keeping it confidential. This means that every Chinese company or citizen, wherever they operate, can be a potential information collection platform for Chinese intelligence. Alberto Manenti, former director of Aise, describes Chinese intelligence as working like “an anthill,” with millions of ants collecting and storing vast amounts of information.

These practices extend to various sectors, including academic ghostwriting services, where individuals and companies may unwittingly be used as sources of information for Chinese intelligence. The 2017 law effectively turns every Chinese entity into a potential platform for collecting information and cooperating with national intelligence efforts. The widespread and covert nature of Chinese intelligence activities poses a significant challenge for Western countries seeking to protect their national security interests.