Recent leaks of Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) documents have exposed significant internal tensions and suspicions within Russia’s intelligence community regarding China, despite the public image of a strong and growing partnership between the two countries.
Key Revelations from the Leaked Documents
- China is classified as an “enemy” and a significant security threat in internal FSB planning documents. This stands in stark contrast to the official rhetoric about an “unbreakable” friendship and strategic partnership with Beijing.
- The FSB documents detail mounting fears over Chinese espionage. Chinese intelligence operatives are accused of targeting Russian scientists and defense officials to obtain sensitive military technology, including drone warfare tactics and countermeasures to Western weaponry. There are also concerns about attempts to recruit Russian intelligence personnel and scientists, as well as efforts to monitor Russian military operations in Ukraine to study Western armaments and battlefield strategies.
- Russian intelligence suspects that Chinese researchers and academics are laying the groundwork for possible future territorial claims in Russia’s Far East. Activities cited include searching for evidence of “ancient Chinese peoples” in the region and publishing maps with historical Chinese place names, which could be used to sway public opinion in territories annexed by Russia in the 19th century. There is also an increasing Chinese presence and intelligence gathering in the Arctic and Central Asia, often under the guise of mining companies or academic institutions.
- In response to these threats, the FSB launched a counterintelligence operation called “Entente-4” just before the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The operation aims to prevent the transfer of strategic information to Beijing, proactively warn Russian citizens working in China-related sectors about recruitment attempts, and monitor communications on platforms like WeChat.
Strategic Dilemma for Russia
Despite these deep-seated suspicions, the FSB acknowledges a strategic dilemma. China is Russia’s largest oil customer and a crucial supplier of electronics and military components, especially as Russia faces Western sanctions. The FSB warns its officers to avoid public confrontation with China and requires high-level approval before taking sensitive actions against Chinese activities, to avoid jeopardizing bilateral relations.
Contradiction Between Leadership and Security Apparatus
There is a clear contradiction: While Russian and Chinese leaders publicly champion a close partnership, Russian intelligence services are increasingly wary of China’s long-term intentions. This internal rift reflects broader anxieties in Moscow about the risks of overdependence on China and the potential erosion of Russian sovereignty and technological advantage.
Historical Context
The FSB’s concerns are not new. China has previously been accused of systematically copying Russian weapons systems through espionage and cyberattacks, significantly reducing arms imports from Russia after reverse-engineering key technologies.
Summary Table: Russian FSB vs. Chinese Activities
| Issue | FSB View/Action | Chinese Activity (as alleged) |
|---|---|---|
| Espionage | “China is the enemy”; counterintelligence ops | Recruiting Russian scientists, spying |
| Technology theft | Prevent tech transfer; monitor defense sector | Reverse-engineering Russian weapons |
| Territorial ambitions | Alert to academic/archaeological claims | Research in Far East, historic maps |
| Arctic and Central Asia | Monitor academic/mining projects | Intelligence gathering via soft power |
| Public stance | Avoid confrontation, require high-level approval | Publicly promote partnership |
Conclusion
The leaked FSB documents offer clear evidence of an internal struggle within Russia over its relationship with China. While the Kremlin continues to pursue closer ties with Beijing, the Russian security apparatus views China as a growing adversary and is actively working to counter what it sees as a broad and intensifying campaign of Chinese espionage and strategic encroachment.
