D4 Published development or research report or study

Pursuing technological supremacy and geopolitical power – Chinese and Russian espionage in Europe




AuthorsMäkinen, Hanna

Publication year2026

Series titleBSR Policy Briefing

Number in series1/2026

ISSN2342-3153

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://www.centrumbalticum.org/files/7095/BSR_Policy_Briefing_1_2026.pdf

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515962567

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

The resurgence of great power competition has intensified Chinese and Russian espionage activities in Europe, posing significant threats to security and stability. China seeks technological dominance through legal and covert means, while Russia, driven by its confrontation with the West and the war in Ukraine, engages in aggressive intelligence operations to bypass sanctions and destabilize societies. Both actors employ a blend of traditional human intelligence (HUMINT), sophisticated cyber operations, economic coercion, and influence campaigns targeting critical infrastructure and democratic institutions. This report analyses their goals, methods, and recent cases of political, military, technological, and cyber espionage, compares their strategies, and explores implications for European security, offering recommendations to strengthen resilience against these growing threats.


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Last updated on 24/03/2026 08:52:27 AM