Trial for alleged spying activities involving ex-AfD politician, Krah
In Dresden, the trial of Jian Guo, a former parliamentary assistant to German far-right politician Maximilian Krah, commenced on August 5, 2025. Guo stands accused of spying for Chinese intelligence, an allegation he denies.
Guo is believed to have been working as a Chinese intelligence operative since 2002, including during his employment with Krah from September 2019 until his arrest in April 2024. Prosecutors allege he shared over 500 sensitive documents and information related to European Parliament discussions, AfD party internal matters, and conducted surveillance on Chinese opposition figures in Germany.
Jian Guo's co-defendant, Jaqi X., is also on trial, accused of assisting Guo by transmitting data about flights, cargo, and passengers, particularly regarding the transport of military goods, from Leipzig Airport. Jaqi X. claims to have had no knowledge of the alleged espionage activities.
The relationship between Jian Guo and Jaqi X. dates back to 2015, when they met through the Chinese app WeChat. Jian Guo's primary responsibilities included foreign trade and maintaining relationships with China due to his origin and language skills.
During the trial, it was revealed that Jaqi X. started passing on relevant data from the summer of 2023. However, she had concerns about the passenger list of a charter flight transporting military vehicles, but sent the data list despite personal concerns.
The trial against Jian G. and Jaqi X. is scheduled for 13 sessions until the end of September. Maximilian Krah, with whom Jian G. worked, is now a member of the German Bundestag. Krah has distanced himself from the case amid ongoing investigations into his own conduct unrelated to the espionage charges.
The trial is a significant event in German-Chinese relations, with the potential to impact the future of intelligence sharing and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by both governments and the international community.
[1] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/jian-guo-geht-vor-gericht-der-angeklagte-ex-parlamentarische-assistent-von-maximilian-krah-a-127249614.html [2] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article211328318/Jian-Guo-geht-vor-Gericht.html [3] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/der-prozess-gegen-jian-guo-beginnt-am-dienstag-in-dresden/27259338.html [4] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/jian-guo-geht-vor-gericht-1.5840338 [5] https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Jian-Guo-geht-vor-Gericht-der-angeklagte-ex-Parlamentarische-Assistent-Maximilian-Krahs-id21752704.html
- The trial of Jian Guo, a former parliamentary assistant to German far-right politician Maximilian Krah, is underway and is being closely watched by both governments and the international community due to its impact on German-Chinese relations and potential future implications for intelligence sharing and diplomatic ties.
- The ongoing trial involving Jian Guo and his co-defendant Jaqi X., who are accused of espionage, involves delicate matters of politics, war-and-conflicts, general-news, and crime-and-justice, as Guo is alleged to have shared sensitive documents related to European Parliament discussions and AfD party internal matters during his employment with Krah.
