Leaked FSB memo reveals a startling truth: beneath Moscow’s public “no‑limits partnership” with Beijing lies deep suspicion and strategic mistrust. This confidential internal document, obtained by Firstpost and originally reported by The New York Times, clearly labels China “the enemy,” emphasizing major threats from Russia‑China espionage .
Deep Russian distrust despite public alliance
Despite Kremlin propaganda promoting unity, the leak exposes how Russian intelligence secretly distrusts China. The memo warns against allowing Beijing to infiltrate technological and political spheres while both governments cultivate a friendly facade.
- Moscow’s FSB monitors Chinese activities among government agencies.
- Russian leadership is concerned about covert influence over domestic industries.
- The memo explicitly contradicts official “strategic partnership” statements.
- Daily surveillance and polygraph tests are now routines for staff with China links.
FSB warns of Chinese tech and military espionage
The leaked FSB memo highlights worrying FSB Chinese spying efforts targeting cutting‑edge Russian tech and military infrastructure.
- China is recruiting Russian scientists and intelligence professionals.
- Russian-made weapon blueprints are being reverse-engineered.
- Beijing shows interest in drone, missile, and electronic warfare systems.
- The FSB has ramped up internal vetting to seal these security gaps.
Arctic, Ukraine spy risks increase tensions
Beijing’s interest goes beyond tech—its espionage reaches the Arctic and Ukraine.
- Chinese agents infiltrate Arctic mining projects under scientific cover.
- Moscow suspects dual-use tech is being collected for strategic gain.
- Intelligence on Russian operations in Ukraine is actively tracked.
- The memo warns this undermines Russia’s military positioning.
Counterintelligence push under Entente‑4 plan
The secret document references “Entente‑4,” a sharp response to the rising espionage threat before Russia invaded Ukraine.
- Launched in early 2022 to counter increased Ukraine military spying.
- Directives issued to identify Chinese-linked individuals in intelligence ranks.
- The FSB mandated tracking of WeChat and other Chinese communications.
- The goal: sever or neutralize any Chinese-embedded influence inside Russia.
Why this matters
This memo shatters the illusion of a harmonious Sino‑Russian alliance. It reveals that:
- The leaked FSB memo exposes a covert intelligence struggle between supposed allies.
- Public diplomacy masks strategic competition over tech, territory, and influence.
- The Kremlin is quietly balancing cooperation with defensive countermeasures.
For Notifire readers: this memo underscores a major geopolitical shift—Russian distrust toward China at the highest security levels. Analysts believe it could reshape foreign alliances and impact global tech transfer and military strategy.
References
- Firstpost: “Behind the ‘no‑limits’ partnership: Secret Russian intel document labels China ‘the enemy’”
