Your account has been succesfully created.
EN FR
Scroll through edition
3 parts Brussels, a hub for China's spies
Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies.© Stéphane Oiry

Deep Dive | European Union
Brussels, a hub for China's spies

With China on the agenda of the G7 in Evian and upcoming European Council meeting, Beijing has been deploying all its tools of influence in Brussels and across the bloc's capitals, with think-tanks, NGOs, academic institutions and EU civil servants repeatedly targeted by the Chinese Communist Party. Long considered too conciliatory, the European Service for External Action (EEAS) has toughened its stance but is now under fire from critics. Meanwhile the EU Commission keeps pushing for a European intelligence agency, but is struggling to convince member states. In this three-part series, Intelligence Online investigates this covert war and the European Union's response to these attacks.

.

3 partsBrussels, a hub for China's spies
Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies.© Stéphane Oiry

From seduction to disdain, EU diplomacy grapples with China

The European Union's diplomatic arm under Josep Borrell took its relationship with Beijing so far that several senior Commission officials got their fingers burnt. There has however been a noticeable hardening of the stance towards China since the arrival of his successor, Kaja Kallas.

Part 1 Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies (1/3).
LogoSubscribers only Back-Door Diplomacy 16.06.2026
Part 1 Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies (1/3).

China's learned European influence network

Beijing maintains a network of pseudo-independent entities and academic ties across Europe which it uses to spread its narrative among member states and within European institutions. The network is sometimes also used for espionage and influence operations.

Part 2 Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies (2/3).
LogoSubscribers only Operations, Information Wars 17.06.2026
Part 2 Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies (2/3).

European Commission beefs up security in face of China threat

After years of lax security despite being increasingly targeted by foreign intelligence services, the European Union has stepped up its game recently, even as the Commission seeks to set up its own intelligence unit.

Part 3 Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies (3/3).
LogoSubscribers only Agencies, Operations 18.06.2026
Part 3 Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies (3/3).

Our other Deep Dives

All Deep Dives

Sign up for real-time alerts and be notified of new editions!  

Once registered, you will be notified by a short message on your computer or mobile phone as soon as a new edition of our publication or an alert is published. Stay informed anytime, anywhere!