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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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Germany's federal prosecutor office says it has arrested an American citizen who allegedly spied for China.
The individual is accused of providing sensitive information to Chinese intelligence services, potentially compromising national security.
The man, identified only as Martin D. under German privacy law, is accused of having declared himself ready to work as an agent for a foreign intelligence agency, the statement said.
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This arrest underscores ongoing concerns about foreign espionage within Germany.
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Earlier this year, German authorities detained three German nationals on suspicion of supplying military technology information to a Chinese intelligence service. The suspects allegedly collaborated with Chinese agents to transfer sensitive data related to ship engine components, which could enhance China's naval capabilities.
In April, the arrest of several people in Europe over allegations of spying for China ignited a fiery diplomatic response from Beijing.
China's Foreign Ministry suggested at the time that the governments that made the charges were manufacturing fears of a "China spy threat" to tarnish its global image.
"We urge relevant parties to stop chasing shadows and vilifying China," Chinese government spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.
Beijing's sharp rebuke of the allegations underscores its sensitivity to accusations of overseas intelligence operations, particularly at a time when its relationships with European nations are fraught.
However, the episode in April prompted a broader security discussion in Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the situation as "very concerning" while an Interior Ministry spokesperson said the episode "shows the very considerable risk of espionage, of attempts by China to exert influence in the European Union and in Germany."
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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