German authorities arrested a married couple identified as Xuejun C. and Hua S. on May 20 in Munich on suspicion of spying for China, officials said [1, 2]. Both are German nationals and are accused of working for a Chinese intelligence agency.
The couple sought sensitive information on advanced technology with military uses, focusing on aerospace engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence [1, 2]. They reportedly posed as interpreters or employees of automobile companies to build contacts with academics at German universities and research institutions [1, 2].
Authorities said some targeted scientists were invited to travel to China under the pretense of giving civilian lectures but actually spoke before employees of a state-owned arms manufacturer [1, 2]. Police searched the couple's homes and workplaces in Munich as part of the investigation [1, 2].
Prosecutors are conducting additional inquiries involving 10 other people in Berlin, Munich, and other locations. These individuals are not suspects but potential witnesses [1, 2].
Recent espionage cases in Germany involving China include a US civilian contractor jailed earlier this year and a former aide to a far-right German politician convicted of spying for China [1].
German Green MP Konstantin von Notz said, "We are massively underestimating the energy and aggression with which China is acting against the West, including against Europe and Germany." He added, "Autocrats have a common interest in forging alliances and sticking together against their supposed enemy" [1].
Investigations continue as German prosecutors gather more evidence from potential witnesses to clarify the extent of the spying network linked to the couple arrested in Munich.
