Germany Detains Couple Suspected of Spying for China

German authorities have detained a married couple suspected of collaborating with Chinese intelligence and obtaining information on technologies with potential military applications. Federal prosecutors said the pair had made contact with scientists at universities and research institutions across Germany.

The suspects, identified as Xuejun C. and Hua S., were tasked with gathering information in the fields of aerospace engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence. Prosecutors said they sometimes posed as interpreters or employees of a car manufacturer.

Some of the scientists were reportedly lured to China to deliver paid lectures to civilian audiences that were in fact attended by representatives of state defense companies.

The arrests come amid growing concern in Berlin about Chinese espionage and technology transfer. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is seeking to reduce economic dependence on Beijing. China has repeatedly denied the allegations.

(reuters, bak)