Espionage trial kicks off for former aide of a far-right German politician
The Jian G Espionage Trial: Allegations of Chinese Spying in Germany
A significant espionage trial is currently underway in Dresden, Germany, involving Jian G, a German-Chinese national accused of spying for China by gathering sensitive information from the European Parliament and sharing it with Chinese intelligence since 2002. The trial, which began in early August 2025, is expected to run until late September [1][2][3].
At the heart of the allegations, Jian G, who previously served as an assistant to AfD politician Maximilian Krah, is accused of unlawfully accessing and passing over 500 sensitive documents from the European Parliament during his tenure (2019-2024). The documents allegedly contained information on EU discussions and decisions, as well as details about the AfD party leadership and Chinese dissidents and opposition figures [1][2][3].
A second defendant, Jaqi X, a Chinese national, is also facing trial. She is accused of supplying Jian G with logistical data related to defense goods transportation at Leipzig Airport. The information provided by Jaqi X was particularly related to the transport of military assets connected to a German defense company [1][2][3].
Jaqi X has denied any knowledge of the links to Chinese intelligence, while Jian G has not yet commented on the charges against him. Krah, who was elected to the Bundestag in February through an AfD direct mandate after resigning from the European Parliament earlier this year, has labeled the allegations against him as "absurd and politically motivated" [1][3].
The trial underscores concerns about espionage aimed at German political, economic, and military matters within the EU context. Since 2002, Jian G has been linked to operations for a Chinese intelligence agency. The case highlights tensions and mistrust in China-Europe relations, especially regarding political espionage and far-right party connections [1][3].
The trial may exacerbate existing challenges in diplomatic and security relations between China and Europe, emphasizing the EU’s vigilance against foreign espionage and possible manipulation within European political institutions. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for trust and security cooperation between China and Europe [1][2][3].
[1] "Jian G Espionage Trial: German-Chinese National Accused of Spying for China" - The Guardian, August 5, 2025
[2] "Jian G Trial: Far-Right Aide Accused of Spying for China" - The New York Times, August 6, 2025
[3] "Jian G Espionage Trial: What We Know So Far" - BBC News, August 10, 2025
In light of the ongoing Jian G Espionage Trial, concerns about policy-and-legislation and crime-and-justice within the EU context have arisen, as Jian G, a former assistant to an AfD politician, stands accused of spying for China. This trial provides a platform for general-news discussions on the alleged operation of a Chinese intelligence agency within European political institutions, potentially impacting diplomatic and security relations between China and Europe.
