Alleged Chinese Spy Arrested in Leipzig for Passing Sensitive Information

A Chinese woman, identified as Yaqi X, has been arrested in Leipzig, Germany, for allegedly passing sensitive information related to arms deliveries to the Chinese secret service. Employed at a logistics company, Yaqi X allegedly shared flight, cargo, and military data with a Chinese agent. The arrest underscores rising tensions between Germany and China.

A Chinese woman has been arrested in Leipzig, Germany, on charges of foreign agent activities. The suspect, identified as Yaqi X, allegedly passed sensitive information regarding arms deliveries to the Chinese secret service, according to the prosecutor general's statement on Tuesday.

Yaqi X is accused of sharing flight, cargo, and passenger data while working at a logistics company at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The data included detailed information on the transportation of military equipment linked to a German arms company. The information was reportedly passed on in 2023 and 2024 to a member of the Chinese secret service, who faces separate prosecution.

The Chinese Embassy in Berlin has not commented on the matter. This arrest comes amid heightened tensions between Berlin and Beijing, following Chancellor Olaf Scholz's strategy for mitigating economic risks with China. Scholz has referred to Beijing as a 'partner, competitor, and systemic rival.'

(With inputs from agencies.)