Ministry of State Security

Belgium, China
Chinese defence attaché gets busy in Brussels

The People's Liberation Army representative in Belgium has been trying to build contacts in the civilian defence sector, sparking concerns among those involved. Beijing, which does not have a station chief in Brussels, has in the past relied on its defence and EU missions based there to develop networks.

Spy Way of Life | France
From Burgundy brotherhoods to grands crus… How French spymasters make the most of wine diplomacy

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous places to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. Wine brotherhoods have historically been much appreciated by French spymasters, who are happy to use them for diplomatic leverage with their foreign counterparts.

Subscribers only Agencies, Back-Door Diplomacy 04.09.2026

Members of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin during the Saint-Vincent Tournante festival in Ladoix-Serrigny, France, on 25 January 2025.

Spotlight | China, France
NUAA rekindling ties in Europe eight years after Xu Yanjun affair

Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics is once again finding partners in Europe, including with Dassault Systèmes and Birkbeck, eight years after the arrest in Brussels of a Chinese agent who had spied on General Electric and Safran using the institution as a cover.

Subscribers only Operations 02.09.2026

Students from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China.

China
Grandview Institution, a ‘new kind' of think-tank in PLA's orbit

What lies behind the façade of the Grandview Institute? Links between the research centre, popular among Westerners, and the People's Liberation Army have sparked debate in the United Kingdom.

Subscribers only Agencies, Defence 19.08.2026

Spotlight | China, France
Chinese military-linked Grandview Institution draws in high-profile EU and UK diplomats

Thrust into the spotlight in the UK last year over its links with former national security adviser Jonathan Powell, the Grandview Institution think-tank includes several former PLA officers and has hosted many distinguished European guests.

Subscribers only Operations, Information Wars, Defence 18.08.2026

Former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin.

China, Syria
Beijing and Damascus in gentle tug-of-war over Syria's Uighurs

Behind the rapid warming of ties between China and Syria lies a sensitive issue: the fate of 20,000 Uighurs who have settled in the country. While Beijing makes its investments conditional on limiting the community's rights, Damascus maintains a deliberate ambiguity.

Subscribers only Defence, Back-Door Diplomacy 29.07.2026

Fu Cong, China's ambassador to the United Nations, in New York, 2 July 2026.

China
Boom in Chinese forged documents turns into espionage issue

China's fake documents market has moved well beyond local ID mills into a cyber, transnational network that has alerted China's state security organs.

Subscribers only Operations, Cybersecurity, Defence 23.07.2026

Material presented during a press conference for an operation against a cross-border criminal network trafficking forged documents, at police headquarters in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on 20 September 2023.

The Agencies' Gazette
Foreign spies celebrate Bastille Day, French DNRT head honoured, Chinese advisers

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

BelgiumForeign spies enjoy 14 July party in Brussels

FranceAn honour and a new appointment at head of the National Directorate of Territorial Intelligence

ChinaIdeological training courses to prep future strategic advisers abroad

Subscribers only 20.07.2026

China, Myanmar
Xi turns up the heat on Myanmar in bid to stop junta seeking alternative support

Having secured a commitment from the Burmese president to crack down on scam centers in Myanmar, Xi Jinping is working to ensure that the junta keeps its word and does not look for new protectors outside of China.

Subscribers only Defence, Back-Door Diplomacy 16.07.2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with his Burmese counterpart Min Aung Hlaing during a ceremony in Beijing, on 16 June 2026.

China, Myanmar
Beijing ties cyber fraud clampdown in South-East Asia to regional support

Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared the fight against South-East Asian so-called 'scam centers' a national emergency. The issue now underpins CCP security diplomacy in the Mekong region. China has secured a formal commitment from the Burmese junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, which has led to the Chinese Ministry of State Security issuing operational directives.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity, Back-Door Diplomacy 13.07.2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing at a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on 16 June 2026 in Beijing, China.

China
As the Party tightens its grip on foreign affairs, a new guard emerges

Li Qian's appointment to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the latest sign that the Chinese Communist Party apparatus is tightening its grip on diplomatic affairs. A generation of leaders born in the 1960s is gradually taking up diplomatic leadership positions, ahead of the expected reshuffle between the 5th plenum, at the end of 2026, and the 21st Congress, at the end of 2027.

Subscribers only Back-Door Diplomacy 08.07.2026

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Beijing.

China
Beijing's spies recruiting foreign intermediaries for LinkedIn operations

A note from the Five Eyes earlier this month warned of Chinese intelligence recruiting via LinkedIn. But this very real threat is already outdated, and Intelligence Online can reveal that Beijing is now developing new methods that are much more difficult to uncover.

Subscribers only Operations, Back-Door Diplomacy 06.07.2026

The Chinese LinkedIn app on a mobile phone in Beijing, on 15 October 2021.

Bangladesh, Myanmar
Sittwe siege sparks diplomatic manoeuvring around rebel Arakan Army

Bangladesh, China, India and the Burmese opposition are all courting ethnic militia chief Twan Mrat Naing, whose army is fighting the ruling junta in Arakan State. These parties each have a stake in this region in western Myanmar and are seeking to cover their backs as the fate of state's city of Sittwe, under attack from the Arakan Army, remains uncertain.

Subscribers only Back-Door Diplomacy 02.07.2026

Arakan Army chief Twan Mrat Naing in Panghsang, Myanmar, on 17 April 2019.

China, Europe, Taiwan, United States
Beijing toughens stance on Taiwan and Hong Kong's non-US foreign supporters

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has capitalised on Washington's ambiguous stance on Taiwan to implement a discreet strategic overhaul. Lawmakers, journalists, and media outlets from Japan and other non-US Western democracies that express solidarity with either Taiwan or the Lai Ching-te administration are being monitored and may be barred from entering China.

Subscribers only Operations, Back-Door Diplomacy 23.06.2026

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, Taiwan, on 9 September 2025.

Deep Dive | Belgium, China, European Union
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.

Subscribers only Agencies, Operations 18.06.2026

Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies (3/3).

Deep Dive | China, European Union, France
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.

Subscribers only Operations, Information Wars 17.06.2026

Brussels, a hub for Chinese spies (2/3).

Belgium, China
Chinese defence attaché gets busy in Brussels

Spy Way of Life | France
From Burgundy brotherhoods to grands crus… How French spymasters make the most of wine diplomacy

Spotlight | China, France
NUAA rekindling ties in Europe eight years after Xu Yanjun affair

China
Grandview Institution, a ‘new kind' of think-tank in PLA's orbit

Spotlight | China, France
Chinese military-linked Grandview Institution draws in high-profile EU and UK diplomats

China, Syria
Beijing and Damascus in gentle tug-of-war over Syria's Uighurs

China
Boom in Chinese forged documents turns into espionage issue

The Agencies' Gazette
Foreign spies celebrate Bastille Day, French DNRT head honoured, Chinese advisers

BelgiumForeign spies enjoy 14 July party in Brussels

FranceAn honour and a new appointment at head of the National Directorate of Territorial Intelligence

ChinaIdeological training courses to prep future strategic advisers abroad

China, Myanmar
Xi turns up the heat on Myanmar in bid to stop junta seeking alternative support

China, Myanmar
Beijing ties cyber fraud clampdown in South-East Asia to regional support

China
As the Party tightens its grip on foreign affairs, a new guard emerges

China
Beijing's spies recruiting foreign intermediaries for LinkedIn operations

Bangladesh, Myanmar
Sittwe siege sparks diplomatic manoeuvring around rebel Arakan Army

China, Europe, Taiwan, United States
Beijing toughens stance on Taiwan and Hong Kong's non-US foreign supporters

Deep Dive | Belgium, China, European Union
European Commission beefs up security in face of China threat

Deep Dive | China, European Union, France
China's learned European influence network

China, Taiwan
Guoanbu doubles down on long-term clandestine operations in Taiwan

The Agencies' Gazette
DIA's ongoing vacancy, re-election at French intel vets body, PLA's anti-corruption meetings

United StatesDIA struggles to find new head of counter-narcotics

FranceAlain Juillet re-elected head of intelligence veterans association

ChinaCentral Military Commission applies Xi Jinping's directives

Canada, China
Chinese interference in G7 countries 'systemic', report warns

The Agencies' Gazette
New Saudi ambassador in Beirut, DGSI in Strasbourg, FIFA World Cup security, US diplo in Europe

Saudi ArabiaDiplomat with spy background to drive Riyadh's new Paris-Beirut axis

FranceDGSI seeks to strengthen China capabilities in Strasbourg

US/FranceDCIS representatives at World Cup security command centre

USRubio close ally to head State Department's Europe bureau

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About Intelligence Online

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Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Indigo Publications' websites

Donald Trump

Xi Jinping

SBU

Ursula von der Leyen

CIA

Ministry of State Security

Belgium, China Chinese defence attaché gets busy in Brussels

Spy Way of Life | France From Burgundy brotherhoods to grands crus… How French spymasters make the most of wine diplomacy

Spotlight | China, France NUAA rekindling ties in Europe eight years after Xu Yanjun affair

China Grandview Institution, a ‘new kind' of think-tank in PLA's orbit

Spotlight | China, France Chinese military-linked Grandview Institution draws in high-profile EU and UK diplomats

China, Syria Beijing and Damascus in gentle tug-of-war over Syria's Uighurs

China Boom in Chinese forged documents turns into espionage issue

The Agencies' Gazette Foreign spies celebrate Bastille Day, French DNRT head honoured, Chinese advisers

BelgiumForeign spies enjoy 14 July party in Brussels

FranceAn honour and a new appointment at head of the National Directorate of Territorial Intelligence

ChinaIdeological training courses to prep future strategic advisers abroad

China, Myanmar Xi turns up the heat on Myanmar in bid to stop junta seeking alternative support

China, Myanmar Beijing ties cyber fraud clampdown in South-East Asia to regional support

China As the Party tightens its grip on foreign affairs, a new guard emerges

China Beijing's spies recruiting foreign intermediaries for LinkedIn operations

Bangladesh, Myanmar Sittwe siege sparks diplomatic manoeuvring around rebel Arakan Army

China, Europe, Taiwan, United States Beijing toughens stance on Taiwan and Hong Kong's non-US foreign supporters

Deep Dive | Belgium, China, European Union European Commission beefs up security in face of China threat

Deep Dive | China, European Union, France China's learned European influence network

China, Taiwan Guoanbu doubles down on long-term clandestine operations in Taiwan

The Agencies' Gazette DIA's ongoing vacancy, re-election at French intel vets body, PLA's anti-corruption meetings

United StatesDIA struggles to find new head of counter-narcotics

FranceAlain Juillet re-elected head of intelligence veterans association

ChinaCentral Military Commission applies Xi Jinping's directives

Canada, China Chinese interference in G7 countries 'systemic', report warns

The Agencies' Gazette New Saudi ambassador in Beirut, DGSI in Strasbourg, FIFA World Cup security, US diplo in Europe

Saudi ArabiaDiplomat with spy background to drive Riyadh's new Paris-Beirut axis

FranceDGSI seeks to strengthen China capabilities in Strasbourg

US/FranceDCIS representatives at World Cup security command centre

USRubio close ally to head State Department's Europe bureau

Recommended keywords

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

Belgium, China
Chinese defence attaché gets busy in Brussels

Spy Way of Life | France
From Burgundy brotherhoods to grands crus… How French spymasters make the most of wine diplomacy

Spotlight | China, France
NUAA rekindling ties in Europe eight years after Xu Yanjun affair

China
Grandview Institution, a ‘new kind' of think-tank in PLA's orbit

Spotlight | China, France
Chinese military-linked Grandview Institution draws in high-profile EU and UK diplomats

China, Syria
Beijing and Damascus in gentle tug-of-war over Syria's Uighurs

China
Boom in Chinese forged documents turns into espionage issue

The Agencies' Gazette
Foreign spies celebrate Bastille Day, French DNRT head honoured, Chinese advisers

China, Myanmar
Xi turns up the heat on Myanmar in bid to stop junta seeking alternative support

China, Myanmar
Beijing ties cyber fraud clampdown in South-East Asia to regional support

China
As the Party tightens its grip on foreign affairs, a new guard emerges

China
Beijing's spies recruiting foreign intermediaries for LinkedIn operations

Bangladesh, Myanmar
Sittwe siege sparks diplomatic manoeuvring around rebel Arakan Army

China, Europe, Taiwan, United States
Beijing toughens stance on Taiwan and Hong Kong's non-US foreign supporters

Deep Dive | Belgium, China, European Union
European Commission beefs up security in face of China threat

Deep Dive | China, European Union, France
China's learned European influence network

China, Taiwan
Guoanbu doubles down on long-term clandestine operations in Taiwan

The Agencies' Gazette
DIA's ongoing vacancy, re-election at French intel vets body, PLA's anti-corruption meetings

Canada, China
Chinese interference in G7 countries 'systemic', report warns

The Agencies' Gazette
New Saudi ambassador in Beirut, DGSI in Strasbourg, FIFA World Cup security, US diplo in Europe