Fact Check: FSB Calls China an Enemy in Secret Intelligence Document
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that a secret intelligence document from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) refers to China as "the enemy." This document, which was obtained by The New York Times, outlines concerns regarding Chinese espionage activities targeting Russia. According to the report, the FSB has warned that China poses a significant threat to Russian security, particularly in the context of military technology and intelligence gathering. The document details efforts by Chinese intelligence to recruit Russian spies and gain access to sensitive military information, especially related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine (The New York Times).
The FSB's internal memo describes a "tense and dynamically developing" intelligence battle between Russia and China, despite the public portrayal of a strong partnership between the two nations. The document reportedly emphasizes the need for counterintelligence measures to prevent Chinese espionage and protect Russian interests (The New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that the FSB refers to China as an enemy is supported by multiple credible sources. The leaked document, while not publicly verified due to its secretive nature, has been assessed as authentic by six Western intelligence agencies that were consulted by The New York Times (The New York Times). This adds a layer of credibility to the report, as it suggests that the information contained within the document is taken seriously by intelligence professionals.
However, the context in which this document was written is crucial. The FSB is known for its internal divisions, and while the intelligence community may harbor suspicions about China, the political leadership under President Vladimir Putin has publicly embraced a partnership with Beijing. Experts like Andrei Soldatov have noted this dichotomy, indicating that while the political narrative is one of cooperation, the intelligence community remains wary (The New York Times).
Moreover, the FSB's directive to avoid public acknowledgment of China as an adversary highlights the complexities of the Russia-China relationship. This suggests that while there are significant concerns about Chinese espionage, the Russian government is cautious about how these sentiments are communicated to avoid straining bilateral relations (The New York Times).
In addition, reports of Chinese hacking campaigns targeting Russian military secrets further corroborate the FSB's concerns. Cybersecurity analysts have documented numerous incidents where Chinese groups have attempted to infiltrate Russian systems to gather intelligence on military operations, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine (The New York Times).
Conclusion
The claim that the FSB calls China an enemy in a secret intelligence document is True. The evidence from credible sources, including the assessment of the document's authenticity by Western intelligence agencies and the corroborating reports of Chinese espionage activities, supports this conclusion. While the political narrative between Russia and China may emphasize partnership, the intelligence community's internal assessments reveal a significant level of mistrust and concern regarding China's intentions.
