China is expanding its sophisticated long-term espionage networks in Europe, combining human sources with academic and business infiltration, TVP World reports.
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China's intelligence activity in Europe is becoming more sophisticated and more deeply rooted than many governments have publicly acknowledged, says Marcin Grabowski, director of the Center for International Studies and Development at the Jagiellonian University.
In a statement to TVP World, Grabowski pointed out that China's operations combine traditional human intelligence with academic networks, business ties and the consolidation of long-term influence that exploits Europe's openness.
Despite its strong emphasis on cyber espionage, recent European cases show that Beijing is increasingly investing in human resources. His methods, the expert said, are based on building relationships, often through seemingly benign relationships – researchers, students, business representatives or people affiliated with expert groups.
Unlike the Russian secret services, which have immediate political stigma due to the war in Ukraine, Chinese agents face fewer social barriers within European institutions. Until recently, academic and technological cooperation with China was widely encouraged. “Changes have occurred,” Grabowski said, “but the channels of access remain open, particularly in research and development.”
The analyst cited recent cases in the UK where fake headhunters approached parliamentary staff with lucrative job offers, a tactic flagged by MI5. It also described meetings at academic events where “students” later appeared to be acting on behalf of the Chinese authorities.
According to Grabowski, China's espionage strategy is a “long-term game,” using diplomatic cover, commercial activity and academic collaboration to map European decision-making and technological capacity. With espionage now “a natural element of international politics”, Europe needs to understand that China's intelligence presence is not marginal, it is new and still expanding.
