Russian intelligence warns of covert Chinese espionage efforts
The New York Times has obtained a secret Russian intelligence document, which indicates that despite official declarations of friendship, Russia views China as a potential adversary.
What you need to know
- The NYT showed the document to representatives of six Western intelligence agencies, who deemed it authentic.
- The Russian document suggests that China is suspected of trying to recruit Russian agents and gain access to secret military technology.
- Russian services are taking actions to mitigate the risk related to Chinese intelligence while avoiding public accusations.
The note, likely created in 2023, indicates that China intensified its activities when Russia attacked Ukraine. Beijing's targets included Russian officials, experts, journalists, and businesspeople with access to power circles.
According to the secret document, Chinese intelligence services are actively trying to recruit Russian agents and gain access to secret military technology. These efforts also include attracting disillusioned Russian scientists. The document indicates that China is also spying on Russian military in Ukraine to analyze the weapons and tactics used.
The document reveals that Chinese academic circles are preparing the ground for territorial claims against Russia, and Chinese intelligence services are conducting reconnaissance in the Arctic, using scientific institutes and mining companies.
The threat from China
Russian security services are trying to mitigate the risk posed by Chinese intelligence in a way that avoids negative consequences for bilateral relations.
FSB officers have been warned to avoid public mentions of Chinese services as a potential enemy. Additionally, the service recommended its employees monitor users of the Chinese messenger WeChat and analyze data obtained using special software.
Despite espionage suspicions, China remains Russia's main economic partner, which is crucial in the face of sanctions pressure from the West. Support from Beijing, through purchases of oil, microprocessors, and software, has helped Moscow alleviate the effects of international isolation following the attack on Ukraine in 2022.
