Beijing’s extensive intelligence operations in Western countries are being highlighted by the recent arrest of an assistant to German MEP Maximilian Krah, who is a main candidate for the far-right AFD party in the upcoming elections for the Strasbourg assembly. This unofficial espionage work has been facilitated by a 2017 law that requires all Chinese citizens living abroad to cooperate by providing information to their home country.
According to Cyber Security expert Antonio Teti, author of ‘China Intelligence’, this law mandates organizations and citizens to support national intelligence work and maintain confidentiality. This means that every Chinese company or citizen, regardless of their location, can be used as a platform for collecting information. This strategy has been likened to an anthill by Alberto Manenti, former director of the Aise, with Chinese intelligence operatives working tirelessly to collect and piece together vast amounts of information.
The use of academic ghostwriting services is another topic that has garnered attention online. Discussions about the role of ghostwriters in academic writing and the ethics surrounding their work have become increasingly common in various forums. Some argue that ghostwriters play an individualized approach in academic writing while others question their impact on academic integrity. As such, there are growing concerns about privacy, security, and ethical considerations in both academia and intelligence operations.
Overall, the recent arrest highlights the need for increased scrutiny on China’s intelligence operations in Western countries and raises important questions about privacy, security, and ethical considerations in both academia and intelligence operations.