A secret Russian intelligence document obtained by The New York Times shows the FSB’s growing alarm over Chinese espionage, despite Moscow’s repeated public claims of an unbreakable friendship with Beijing.

Although President Vladimir Putin has hailed a “limitless” partnership with Xi Jinping, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) refers to China as “the enemy” in an internal memo that outlines counterespionage priorities. The undated eight-page planning document was likely written in late 2023 or early 2024 and was authenticated by six Western intelligence agencies contacted by The New York Times.

The FSB accuses Chinese intelligence of attempting to recruit Russian scientists, officials, and businesspeople, collecting military secrets related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and using corporate and academic fronts to gather information in sensitive regions, including the Arctic and Central Asia.

The intelligence standoff unfolds as Putin and Xi continue to tighten their alliance, having met over 40 times since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Though bound by economic needs, the two powers operate with deep mutual distrust, NYT says. Russia relies heavily on China for oil exports, electronics, and alternatives to Western companies. According to an FSB document, tensions persist within this strategic relationship.

Origins and validation of the document

The document was obtained by cybercrime group Ares Leaks, according to NYT. Although the group did not disclose how it accessed the file, six Western agencies deemed it credible. It is the most detailed known insight into the Russian counterintelligence view of China.

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Espionage targets and recruitment

The FSB claims Chinese agents are particularly focused on Russia’s military tactics in Ukraine, especially drone warfare, modernization methods, and countermeasures against Western weapons. Chinese defense-linked institutions reportedly flooded into Russia soon after the 2022 invasion, seeking firsthand data from the conflict.

The memo also mentions Beijing’s interest in Russia’s discontinued ekranoplan project and the recruitment of aviation scientists. Dissatisfied or financially pressured employees of aircraft research institutes were considered likely targets.

Digital surveillance and WeChat monitoring

The FSB directive includes the monitoring of Chinese messaging app WeChat and mandates hacking into phones of espionage suspects. Officers are instructed to accumulate data using internal software tools to identify threats and intercept leaks of strategic information.

Concern over territorial claims and historical revisionism

The FSB warns of Chinese academic efforts to find “ancient Chinese peoples” in Russia’s Far East and spread revanchist narratives. A 2023 Chinese map labeled areas of Russia with historical Chinese names. Officers are ordered to investigate such activities and restrict access for involved foreigners.

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Intelligence tension in the Arctic and Central Asia

The document also highlights Beijing’s growing interest in Russia’s Arctic development and the Northern Sea Route. FSB analysts believe Chinese spies use mining companies and academic research to access strategic data.

Managing risk without disrupting ties

Despite these concerns, the FSB is cautious not to trigger diplomatic fallout. The document advises against public statements labeling China a threat and requires high-level approval before any sensitive actions.