German intelligence service warns of the risks of Chinese technologies

Germany’s domestic intelligence service, the BfV, warned on Monday that the rapid development of Chinese technologies in Germany could affect the country’s technological sovereignty and security. The warning was issued during the annual public hearing of the intelligence chiefs before a parliamentary committee.

Sinan Selen, head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, stated that Chinese technological products, including automobiles, could enable data leaks or even the complete disabling of certain systems. He emphasized that the growing dependence on foreign technologies poses a challenge to Germany’s resilience.

The official specifically mentioned the increase in sales of Chinese electric cars and said that the situation is being monitored “with great concern”. The data collected by these products could be misused, including when they come into the possession of companies or public authorities.

In 2023, the German government adopted its first strategy on China, through which it sought to reduce the risks associated with excessive dependencies and diversify supply chains. In 2026, however, Beijing remains Germany’s main trading partner, particularly due to Chinese imports.

Read also Germany: Head of the Federal Intelligence Service warns that the country risks a violent conflict with Russia amid the intensification of hybrid attacks attributed to Moscow