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Espionage

Espionage
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Espionage. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A J-15 fighter jet from the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong making an unusual approach to a Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force P-3C patrol aircraft conducting surveillance above the Pacific Ocean on June 8, 2025. Photo: Handout /Japan’s Ministry of Defence / AFP
Technology

Opinion | In Asia-Pacific, the real maritime contest is over satellite surveillance

States’ ability to exercise territorial rights is increasingly mediated by their access to satellite data and analytics, but the tech is dominated by a powerful few.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Rights groups raise alarm after Iran executes 2 more opposition group members

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Malaysia

DarkSword threatens Malaysian iOS users, exposing spread of elite spyware

The Philippines

Philippine military uncovers alleged new China spy tactics in sea row

China called the allegations ‘malicious smears’ after three people were arrested on suspicion of leaking sensitive information to foreigners.

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A Philippine vessel distributes supplies in the contested South China Sea last month. Photo: China’s coastguard/Xinhua
Britain

2 men charged with spying for Iran on UK Jewish targets

The men are accused of spying on targets given to them by Iran, including the Israeli embassy and Britain’s oldest synagogue.

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran can still attack US interests, government appears intact: US spy chief

If a hostile regime survives, it will seek ‌to begin a years-long effort to rebuild its missiles and drone forces, she told US lawmakers.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Stockholm says Iran executed Swede after Tehran announces spy put to death

This is the first public announcement of an execution since Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran on February 28.

A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran, Iran, on March 2, 2026. Photo: AP
France

‘I’m not a spy’: Frenchman jailed for 10 years in Azerbaijan

Prosecutors say Martin Ryan passed on secrets about Azerbaijan, as well as Russian and Chinese firms, to the French security service.

Britain

3 arrested in UK on suspicion of spying for China, including MP’s husband

They are the latest in a number of arrests in the UK of people accused of spying or causing political interference on behalf of China.

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The Philippines

Philippines arrests Filipino nationals suspected of spying for China

China has dismissed the espionage allegations as fabricated and politically motivated, accusing Manila of ‘stigmatisation’.

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A screen grab from China’s CCTV news footage shows (from left) David Servañez, Albert Endencia and Nathalie Plizardo, the three Philippine nationals arrested on suspicion of spying in China. Photo: CCTV
Crime in China

China’s latest box office draw: spy thriller backed by state espionage agency

Scare Out – supported by the intelligence services and made by acclaimed director Zhang Yimou – is one of the most popular films over Lunar New Year.

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The film was produced under the direct supervision of the Ministry of State Security. Photo: Handout
Iran

Iran sentences British world travellers to 10 years for spying

Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested while travelling through the country on a round-the-world trip, according to relatives.

China's military weapons

Will China’s state-backed thriller spill details of little-known spy cases?

‘Scare Out’ depicts leak of PLA jet secrets, and some speculate the plot could be based on true story involving stealth fighter tech.

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CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)

Video | Chinese military officers target of new CIA video

US spy agency’s outreach, depicting a disillusioned mid-level officer, risks unsettling fragile calm before April’s Trump-XI summit.

The CIA has released a provocative recruitment video targeting Chinese military officers. The US spy agency used its YouTube channel to publish the video on February 12, 2026, the same day US President Donald Trump boasted about his “very good relationship” with China.
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US-China relations

CIA targets Chinese military officers in new recruitment video

US spy agency’s outreach, depicting a disillusioned mid-level officer, risks unsettling fragile calm before April’s Trump-XI summit.

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The CIA ‌rolled out a video on Thursday in a bid to recruit military informants in China. Image: CIA via YouTube
Germany

German court jails US military contractor in China spy case

The defendant, partially named as Martin D. was sentenced for offering US military secrets to China, highlighting espionage concerns amid global tensions.

Russia

Russia says suspect in shooting of top general detained in Dubai

Moscow says Russian Lyubomir Korba was held in Dubai for a shooting, with two accomplices identified – one in Moscow, while one fled to Ukraine.

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Diplomacy

As I see it | Starmer faces a hysterical backlash over new Chinese embassy

The worst features of UK politics and media, with help from ‘yellow-ribbon’ BN(O)ers, have been on full display over the ‘mega’ embassy plan.

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The location proposed for the new Chinese embassy at the old Royal Mint Court is seen in London, United Kingdom, on January 14. Photo: EPA
Mainland China

Greece arrests forces member for espionage with suspected links to China

Member of the Greek Air Force was arrested following a Western intelligence tip-off.

Chinese overseas

2 Chinese in France suspected of spying from Airbnb are under investigation

The Chinese nationals and two others were arrested on Wednesday in an alleged spying case involving a satellite dish.

France

France arrests 4 people, including 2 Chinese, for alleged spying

China’s foreign ministry responds, says it opposes ‘malicious slander and smear’ against ‍the country.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites after launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in February 2025. Photo: Reuters
Japan

‘People are so polite’: why do Russian spies find Japan such an easy target?

A Russian spy, posing as a Ukrainian citizen, used a simple request for directions to trick a local worker into selling industrial secrets.

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People visit an observation tower in a suburb of Tokyo on Monday. Japan is pushing to strengthen its laws against spying. Photo: AFP
United States

Why was America’s top spy present at FBI raid on election facility?

DNI’s Tulsi Gabbard raises eyebrows as her team defends her presence as vital for ‘identifying vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure’.

Diplomacy

Opinion | Why UK Prime Minister Starmer’s visit to China could be historic

The British prime minister must decide whether Britain has the strength to look east and west, and not simply look inward.

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China-EU relations

EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider China tech bans

European Commission plan would make vendor removals mandatory within three years and allow broader curbs if China is deemed a cyber risk.

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If approved, the European Commission plan could be the tip of the iceberg for Huawei, ZTE and other Chinese operators. Photo: Shutterstock
China’s Communist Party

China warns of ‘honey trap’ risks after defence official jailed for espionage

A mainland military project manager was lured into a sexual relationship by a spy posing as a business representative while on a trip abroad.

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China’s Ministry of State Security has repeatedly told mainland officials, students and tourists to be wary of recruitment traps abroad set by foreign intelligence agencies. Photo: Reuters
US-Venezuela conflict

China-linked hackers ‘used Venezuela-themed phishing to target US agencies’

Swiss firm says Mustang Panda leveraged US-Venezuela tensions as geopolitical lures in a malware campaign against government-related targets.

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US-China relations

Biden administration decision to scrap China Initiative flawed: White House

US top science adviser Michael Kratsios says ceasing programme aimed at combating economic espionage from Beijing ‘damaging’.

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