By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-12-20 12:49:52 | Updated at 2024-12-20 19:10:19
6 hours ago
A Chinese citizen has been arrested in the German port town of Kiel on suspicion of espionage after allegedly photographing military installations.
The suspect was detained on December 9 after gaining access to military property near the port area, according to German media reports.
Security staff discovered the individual taking photographs at the sensitive site and alerted authorities, broadcaster WDR reported.
The incident occurred in Kiel, a strategically significant location known for its naval presence and submarine production facilities.
An airport staff member in Leipzig was also recently accused of tracking flight and passenger information for Beijing.
Kiel's strategic importance has made it a particularly sensitive target for potential espionage activities.
The city hosts a significant German naval base and NATO's Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters.
It is also home to Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, which recently received approval to build submarines worth 4.7 billion for Germany and Norway.
Security concerns led Kiel to withdraw from a proposed twin-city partnership with China's Qingdao last year
Wikimedia Commons
Security concerns led Kiel to withdraw from a proposed twin-city partnership with China's Qingdao last year.
Christina Schubert, parliamentary leader of the city's ruling Social Democratic Party, said companies and academics had worried the partnership could facilitate military and industrial espionage.
German authorities report China has intensified its intelligence activities in Germany, including industrial espionage and political influence operations.
