Two Chinese nationals among four arrested in France for suspected spying for China

Four people, including two Chinese nationals, have been apprehended in France on suspicion of engaging in espionage for China.

The four were brought before an investigative judge on Wednesday with two being remanded in custody.

French police were alerted in late January that two Chinese nationals had entered French territory to capture data from the Starlink network and entities of vital importance, especially military entities, in order to transmit material back to China.

The suspects were allegedly conducting interception operations from an Airbnb in Gironde through a computer system connected to satellite dishes, which was seized for analysis.

Responding to the case, the foreign ministry in Beijing voiced opposition to "malicious slander and smear" against China, with calls on relevant parties to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.