Germany arrests married couple on suspicion of spying for China

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.

The arrests, which took place ​on Wednesday, come as German authorities warn of growing security concerns from China.

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.

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.