Inside Russia’s Spy Agency: Rising Suspicion Toward China Amid Warming Ties

Publicly, Russian President Vladimir Putin portrays the nation’s partnership with China as solid and entering a new era of strategic military and economic cooperation.

Yet behind closed doors at the F.S.B. headquarters in Lubyanka, a covert intelligence unit labels China as “the enemy.”

This previously undisclosed division has raised alarms over China’s growing threat to Russia’s national security. Its operatives report that Beijing is actively attempting to recruit Russian intelligence personnel and acquire sensitive military technologies, sometimes by enticing disgruntled Russian scientists.

According to these intelligence officers, China is conducting espionage on Russian military activities in Ukraine to gather insights on Western weaponry and combat tactics. They also express concern that Chinese academics may be preparing to stake territorial claims within Russia. Additionally, they warn that Chinese intelligence agents are operating covertly in the Arctic, using mining companies and academic research centers as fronts.

These risks are detailed in an eight-page internal F.S.B. planning document outlining priorities to counter Chinese espionage efforts. Although undated, the document’s context suggests it was drafted in late 2023 or early 2024.