The recent conviction of Jian Guo, a naturalized German citizen accused of spying for China for nearly two decades, marks one of the most significant espionage trials in Germany in recent years. The case underscores both the persistence of Chinese intelligence activities in Europe and the troubling vulnerability of dissident communities and democratic institutions to infiltration. Guo’s conviction not only sheds light on Beijing’s global repression tactics but also exposes glaring weaknesses in Europe’s ability to counter such operations.

Jian Guo, who moved to Germany as a student more than 20 years ago, initially cultivated an image of a committed democracy activist. He integrated himself into the heart of dissident circles, building trust with organizations critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Guo gained a reputation as someone who handled the logistics at events-picking up international guests from airports, arranging accommodations, and ensuring conferences of exiled activists ran smoothly.

This low-profile, supportive role allowed him to blend seamlessly into communities already plagued by distrust and fear of surveillance. Guo’s apparent dedication enabled him to ascend further, even participating in delegations of Chinese democracy advocates. In 2017, he traveled to Dharamshala, India, to meet the Dalai Lama and representatives of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile. Yet, according to German prosecutors, beneath this façade of activism, Guo was serving Chinese intelligence interests.

The most serious charges against Guo stem from his role as an aide to German politician Maximilian Krah. In this capacity, he had access to hundreds of sensitive European Parliament documents, many of which prosecutors say he passed on to Beijing. Judge........

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