Although Putin calls China an “unlimited partner,” leaked FSB documents call it an “enemy.” The Russian FSB accuses China of recruiting officials, stealing military
Although 🇷🇺Putin calls 🇨🇳China an “unlimited partner,” leaked FSB documents call it an “enemy.” The Russian FSB accuses China of recruiting officials, stealing military
Putin calls China a "close friend", FSB calls it an "enemy" who steals Russian military secrets and know-how - GS
AI Overview
Reports based on a leaked FSB document indicate that while Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly maintains a close relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, referring to him as a "close friend," internal documents from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) portray a different perspective, referring to China as "the enemy".
Key points from the leaked FSB document:
- Intelligence Battle: The document reveals a tense and dynamic intelligence battle between the two outwardly friendly nations.
- Espionage Focus: The FSB accuses Chinese intelligence of attempting to recruit Russian scientists, officials, and businesspeople, collecting military secrets, and utilizing corporate and academic fronts for intelligence gathering.
- Targets of Interest: China is reportedly interested in Russian military tactics, especially drone warfare, modernization methods, and countermeasures against Western weapons deployed in Ukraine. They are also targeting Russian aviation expertise and individuals involved in the discontinued ekranoplan project.
- Arctic and Central Asia Concerns: The FSB expresses concern over Beijing's growing interest in Russia's Arctic development, the Northern Sea Route, and its efforts to promote Chinese soft power in Central Asian countries.
- Territorial Claims: The document raises concerns about Chinese academic research potentially laying the groundwork for territorial claims in the Russian Far East.
- Cautious Approach: Despite these concerns, the FSB is cautious not to jeopardize bilateral relations with China and requires high-level approval for any sensitive actions related to Chinese activity.
- Internal Contradictions: This apparent contradiction between Putin's public pronouncements and the FSB's internal assessment reveals potential tension between Russia's political leadership and its security apparatus regarding the strategic relationship with China.
In summary: While President Putin outwardly emphasizes the close partnership with China, internal Russian intelligence documents suggest a significant level of mistrust and concern within the FSB regarding China's espionage activities and long-term intentions, even referring to them as "the enemy".
-
Reports suggest a disconnect between Russia's public stance on China and the internal views of its security services, like the FSB.
Vladimir Putin consistently describes China as a "close friend" and key strategic partner. He has publicly celebrated a "limitless" partnership with China, emphasizing cooperation in various areas like economics and military.
However, a recently leaked internal FSB document, likely from late 2023 or early 2024, reveals a different perspective. The FSB reportedly refers to China as an "enemy" and warns against Chinese espionage efforts targeting Russia's military secrets and advanced technology.
Key concerns raised in the leaked document include:
- Chinese intelligence attempts to recruit Russian scientists and officials: This suggests China may be seeking to acquire advanced technological know-how and sensitive information.
- Chinese interest in Russian military operations in Ukraine: The FSB report indicates China is focused on understanding Russian tactics and counteracting Western weaponry.
- Potential Chinese territorial claims on Russian land: The document mentions worries about Chinese academics promoting such claims and warns against related activities.
- Chinese espionage activities in the Arctic and Central Asia: China's growing interest in these regions, including through universities and mining companies, is highlighted as a concern.
This intelligence tension exists despite Russia and China's strategic partnership. Analysts suggest the leaked document reveals internal contradictions within Russia's government, with the FSB expressing caution towards Beijing's long-term intentions, while Putin prioritizes deepening ties.
The FSB's internal directive emphasizes the need to counter these threats without jeopardizing the overall relationship. It instructs officers to gather intelligence and prevent information leaks while avoiding actions that could publicly harm the alliance. This highlights the delicate balancing act Russia faces in navigating its relationship with China, as it relies on China's economic and political support, particularly in the face of Western sanctions.
-
Comments
Post a Comment