Chinese Woman Arrested in Germany for Espionage

A Chinese woman, referred to as Yaqi X, was arrested in Leipzig, Germany, on charges of espionage for allegedly passing information about arms deliveries to Chinese secret services. A second Chinese national, Jian G, was also detained for similar activities. Chinese officials have denied any wrongdoing.

A Chinese woman has been arrested in the German city of Leipzig on suspicion of engaging in foreign agent activities and passing on critical information regarding arms deliveries, the prosecutor general revealed in a statement on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as Yaqi X, is accused of relaying data obtained from her job at a logistics company at Leipzig/Halle airport to a Chinese secret service member, who is being prosecuted separately, the statement confirmed.

Another Chinese national, Jian G, who served as an aide to Maximilian Krah, a member of the European Parliament representing the far-right Alternative for Germany party, was also arrested this year on charges of severe espionage in favor of Beijing. The disclosed information by Yaqi X between 2023 and 2024 included flight, cargo, and passenger data, along with details about the transportation of military gear linked to a German arms firm, reported the prosecutor general.

The Chinese Embassy in Berlin did not promptly respond to a comment request from Reuters. Concerns about alleged Chinese espionage have heightened across Western Europe recently. In response, Beijing has dismissed the accusations, attributing them to a 'Cold War mindset' aimed at undermining China-Europe cooperation.

Tensions have also risen between Berlin and Beijing over the past year following Chancellor Olaf Scholz's strategy to mitigate risks in Germany's economic relationship with China, designating Beijing as a 'partner, competitor, and systemic rival'.

(With inputs from agencies.)