Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has expressed concerns over China's expanding clout, citing Beijing's espionage activities and possible territorial ambitions in Russia's Far East, according to a leaked internal document obtained by The New York Times.
The eight-page intelligence report, acquired by the hacker collective Ares Leaks, reveals that Chinese operatives are actively recruiting Russian informants and attempting to acquire classified military technology by targeting dissatisfied Russian scientists. Six Western intelligence agencies verified the document's authenticity to the NYT.
While the exact date of the report remains unclear, contextual clues suggest it was likely produced in late 2023 or early 2024. The assessment was prepared by the FSB's 7th Directorate of Counterintelligence Operations (DCRO), which specializes in countering espionage from China and other Asian nations.
The document alleges that China is monitoring Russian military operations in Ukraine to gather intelligence on Western-supplied weapons and drone warfare strategies. Additionally, Russian officials suspect Chinese researchers are laying the groundwork for potential territorial claims in the Far East by searching for evidence of "ancient Chinese settlements" in the region.
The FSB also warns of Chinese espionage operations in the Arctic, where Beijing allegedly uses mining firms and academic institutions as fronts. Moscow is reportedly uneasy about China's growing interest in Russia's Arctic territories, as well as Beijing's "soft power" influence in former Soviet Central Asian republics.
Three days before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the FSB reportedly launched "Entente-4," a counterintelligence program aimed at thwarting Chinese espionage. The NYT notes the codename ironically references Moscow's deepening ties with Beijing while concealing its true objective: protecting Russian interests from Chinese infiltration.
Since then, Russian intelligence has faced a delicate balancing act—attempting to mitigate risks from China without damaging bilateral relations. President Vladimir Putin has cultivated close ties with Xi Jinping, with the partnership strengthening further after the Ukraine invasion.
"The document reflects deep anxieties within Russia's security apparatus about Beijing's rising power," the NYT observed. "However, it's uncertain whether these concerns extend beyond counterintelligence circles. Even allied nations routinely spy on one another."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment, while China's Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for clarification.