Politicians from both the SPD and CDU have rejected China’s assertion that Germany is creating unnecessary controversy by warning about scientific espionage. Johannes Schätzl, the SPD’s digital policy expert, told the Handelsblatt that taking warnings from German security agencies regarding scientific espionage and the leakage of sensitive know-how as seriously is not a campaign of stirring up controversy.
Norbert Röttgen, the CDU’s deputy faction leader, stressed that it is the responsibility of the German government to safeguard German and European security and economic interests. He stated that this protection includes guarding research areas critical to security against outside influence and preventing unwelcome technology transfers.
The Chinese embassy had previously criticized the warnings issued by German security authorities and industry, labeling them as “defamation and libel.” Röttgen countered this by arguing that China would never permit Western scientists with state or even military ties to conduct research in comparably sensitive fields within their home country.
Schätzl added that when dealing with sensitive technologies, the trustworthiness of those involved, especially those connected to state bodies, security agencies, or the military, must be considered early on. While emphasizing that freedom of research and international cooperation remain important, the SPD digital politician cautioned that these efforts must not result in overlooking essential security aspects in research.
