The Office for the Protection of the Constitution warns of Chinese espionage through scientific collaborations

The Office for the Protection of the Constitution warns of Chinese espionage activities when German research institutions collaborate with Chinese universities. China has been building a “comprehensive system of technology and know-how transfer” for years, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution told the “Handelsblatt”. The aim is to expand the country's political, economic, technological and military supremacy.

“The procurement of technology and know-how can also take place through scientific cooperation with universities and (top) research institutions in Germany,” explained the authority.

The domestic intelligence service sees the danger that Chinese visiting scientists could be exploited for Beijing's “strategic ambitions”. New technologies such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence and hypersonic technology as well as bio- and surveillance technologies are particularly important. Many of these research fields can be used for both civil and military purposes.