An internal planning document from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), leaked and verified by six Western intelligence agencies, reveals deep distrust of China within Russian security circles, branding Beijing as “the enemy” despite public affirmations of a strategic partnership.
The eight-page document, obtained by cybercrime group Ares Leaks and reviewed by The New York Times, highlights growing concerns about Chinese espionage targeting Russian military, scientific, and geopolitical assets.
According to the document, since 2022, an undisclosed FSB unit has monitored a “tense and dynamically developing intelligence battle” between Moscow and Beijing.
The FSB accuses Chinese intelligence of trying to recruit Russian scientists, officials, and business people, including Russians married to Chinese nationals, to infiltrate state institutions and gather intelligence on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
It also alleges that China uses corporate and academic fronts to collect information in strategically important regions, including the Arctic and Central Asia.
The document also raises alarms over potential Chinese territorial ambitions. It cites academic initiatives aimed at locating historical Chinese presence in Russia’s Far East and references a 2023 Chinese map that labeled Russian cities with historical Chinese names. In response, the FSB has implemented preventive measures, including restricting access to archives and limiting foreign researchers involved in such studies.
Amid an alleged surge in Chinese espionage, the FSB has ordered monitoring of the Chinese messaging platform WeChat and the use of hacking tools to collect personal data on agents working for China. Officers have also held direct meetings with Russian citizens closely connected to China, warning them of Beijing’s intent to exploit scientific and strategic vulnerabilities.
While Russia is actively countering Chinese espionage, it remains careful not to jeopardize its broader diplomatic relationship with China. Officers have been reportedly instructed to avoid publicly portraying Chinese intelligence as a threat to prevent straining bilateral relations.
As noted by The New York Times, Chinese support is crucial to Moscow, especially amid Western sanctions. China supplies essential imports, such as electronics and potential military components, that Russia increasingly relies on.
The FSB notes that Beijing also views its relationship with Russia with a similar level of caution.
The document disclosed that Chinese intelligence administers polygraph tests to agents returning from Russia and closely monitors over 20,000 Russian students currently studying in China.
As of press time, neither the FSB nor the Chinese Foreign Ministry has responded to the recent report.
