An Aide to a German MEP Arrested for Espionage for China
An aide to a member of the European Parliament for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been arrested in Germany on suspicion of "especially severe" espionage for China. This is the latest in a series of similar arrests across Europe, raising concerns about alleged Chinese spying activities.
The aide, identified as Jian G., is accused of passing information about discussions in the European Union legislature to Chinese intelligence. He was arrested in Dresden on Monday and his apartments were searched.
The arrest comes amid heightened anxiety about Chinese espionage in Western Europe. Three German nationals were arrested on Monday on suspicion of handing over technology with military applications, and two men were charged in Britain with spying for China.
The AfD has been under scrutiny for its ties to Russia and China. The party's co-leader, Tino Chrupalla, called the arrest "very disturbing" and said the party was taking the matter seriously.
Konstantin von Notz, who heads the parliamentary committee supervising Germany's intelligence services, said these cases point to a broader AfD problem. He accused the party of being susceptible to influence and direction from foreign powers.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that if the charges against Jian G. are proven, it would be "an attack on European democracy from within." She noted that Germany's security services have increased counter-espionage efforts due to threats from Russia and China.
The Chinese Embassy in Germany denied the allegations, calling them "hype" and "intended to discredit and suppress China." They accused German and European media of having a "Cold War mindset" and poisoning the atmosphere for cooperation between China and Europe.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently visited China to improve economic relations and address differences, including China's support for Russia. However, the arrest of Jian G. casts a shadow over these efforts and raises further concerns about Chinese espionage activities in Europe.