German Couple Arrested on Suspicion of Spying for China on Military Technology
Allegations and Investigation Details
BERLIN, May 20 (Reuters) - A German married couple was arrested on suspicion of building contacts with German scientists to obtain intelligence on technologies with possible military use for China, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday.
Suspects and Espionage Activities
The couple, identified only as Xuejun C. and Hua S. in line with German privacy rules, are suspected of working for a Chinese intelligence agency and of seeking information on high-tech with military applications, prosecutors added.
Arrest Circumstances and Security Concerns
The arrests, which took place on Wednesday, come as German authorities warn of growing security concerns from China.
Government Response and Diplomatic Context
Worried about technology transfer, the German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited China in February, is seeking to "de-risk" economic ties. Beijing has repeatedly denied accusations of espionage.
Methods Used to Obtain Information
In the arrest warrant, the couple were accused of establishing contacts with scientists at German universities and research institutions, including professors in aerospace engineering, computer science, and AI.
They were also suspected of at times posing as interpreters or employees of an auto manufacturer, said prosecutors.
Some scientists were lured to China to give paid lectures to a civilian audience when in reality, representatives of state-owned defense companies were attending, prosecutors added.
(Reporting by Thomas Seythal and Madeline Chambers; editing by Matthias Williams)
