A Chinese woman has been arrested in Leipzig, Germany, on suspicion of conducting espionage activities. She is accused of passing sensitive information regarding arms deliveries to a Chinese intelligence officer.
Alleged Espionage Activities
The woman, identified as Yaqi X, allegedly obtained confidential data while working for a logistics company at Leipzig/Halle airport. According to the prosecutor general’s statement, she shared information on flight, cargo, and passenger data, along with details related to military equipment transport and individuals linked to a German arms company. This information was reportedly passed on to a member of the Chinese secret service in 2023 and 2024.
The suspected Chinese intelligence officer involved is being prosecuted separately, indicating the scale of the alleged espionage operation. The prosecutor’s statement did not disclose further details regarding the individuals involved or the exact nature of the information shared.
China’s Response And Diplomatic Tensions
The Chinese Embassy in Berlin has yet to respond to requests for comment. The arrest comes at a time when diplomatic tensions between Berlin and Beijing are already heightened. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent strategy to “de-risk” the country’s economic ties with China has contributed to the strain. He referred to China as a “partner, competitor, and systemic rival,” signalling a shift in Germany’s policy towards Beijing.
Growing Concerns Over Espionage
The arrest of Yaqi X is the latest in a series of espionage concerns involving China and other Western countries. Such incidents highlight the complexities of international relations and security challenges faced by nations when dealing with sensitive economic and military information. As Germany continues to re-evaluate its ties with China, incidents like this may further impact bilateral relations.
(With inputs from Reuters)
