The Chinese Embassy in Berlin has strongly rejected the warnings issued by German industry groups and security authorities regarding alleged Chinese economic espionage. A spokesperson from the embassy told “Handelsblatt” (Friday edition) that the regular cooperative activities between the research institutions of both countries should neither be politicized nor viewed categorically through a security lens, much less supported by unfounded accusations.
Previously, the Federation of German Industry (BDI) issued warnings stating that China could potentially use scientific collaborations and civilian contacts to gain access to key German technologies and know-how. German security agencies have echoed similar concerns about these risks.
While the embassy expressed understanding for Germany’s desire to maintain national security, the spokesperson firmly rejected any unjustified defamation, slander, or discriminatory measures targeting China. She called for research collaborations with China to be viewed in a fair and objective manner, maintaining a scientific spirit, and urged a halt to the political instrumentalization and inflammatory rhetoric against China.
These warnings stem from allegations concerning potential inadequacies in the security measures at the Helmholtz Centre for Information Security (Cispa). According to reports in “Handelsblatt”, the center is alleged to have inadequately protected data and trade secrets, while cooperating and publishing with risk-laden persons and institutions from the People’s Republic of China, a finding made by external auditors.
