Trial of Germany Politician's Former Aide Accused of Spying for China as an Alternative
The trial of Jian Guo, a German national and former aide to far-right German MEP Maximilian Krah, along with Yaqi X., commenced on August 5, 2025, in Dresden. Jian Guo is accused of spying for Chinese intelligence by passing sensitive documents from the European Parliament to Beijing, conducting surveillance on Chinese opposition figures in Germany, and gathering intelligence on AfD party leadership. Yaqi X., also on trial, allegedly assisted by providing flight, cargo, and passenger data related to arms shipments from Leipzig Airport.
Jian Guo worked in the European Parliament as an assistant to Maximilian Krah from September 2019 until his arrest in April 2024. Prosecutors allege Guo operated as a Chinese intelligence operative since 2002, transmitting about 500 sensitive documents and personal information on AfD leaders. Yaqi X. allegedly provided logistical data connected to arms manufacturers and shipments.
Krah has denied any wrongdoing and said the accusations against him are "politically motivated". He was initially the AfD's top candidate for European elections but was excluded from the party's delegation after causing furor with comments that minimised the crimes of the Nazis' notorious SS. However, he was welcomed back into the AfD fold for this year's German election and now sits as one of its MPs in parliament.
The trial is ongoing at the Higher Regional Court in Dresden with multiple hearings planned. China denies involvement and characterizes the case as a smear campaign. The case sheds light on "the extensive espionage interests that China has in relation to political, military, and economic matters in Germany and the EU". The information Yaqi X passed on focused on flights transporting defense equipment and "people with links to a German arms company".
The trial of Jian Guo and Yaqi X is expected to last until late September. If found guilty, the defendants face significant prison sentences. This trial is a significant espionage case involving alleged Chinese intelligence activities targeting Germany and the EU, with potential revelations on spying methods and compromised information yet to emerge as the hearings proceed. The trial could potentially embarrass the AfD if information about Guo's alleged activities becomes public.
[1] The Guardian [2] BBC News [3] Deutsche Welle [4] Reuters [5] The New York Times
General-news outlets such as The Guardian, BBC News, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, and The New York Times are reporting on the ongoing trial of Jian Guo and Yaqi X, accused of spying for Chinese intelligence in Germany. The trial, which commenced on August 5, 2025, in Dresden, involves allegations of passing sensitive documents from the European Parliament to Beijing, conducting surveillance on Chinese opposition figures, and gathering intelligence on AfD party leadership, as well as providing logistical data connected to arms manufacturers and shipments. The proceedings could potentially shed light on "the extensive espionage interests that China has in relation to political, military, and economic matters in Germany and the EU".
