A leaked internal document reportedly authored by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has revealed significant concerns within the country’s intelligence establishment regarding China’s growing influence and activities inside Russia, despite the close public relationship between Moscow and Beijing.
The eight-page document, first reported by The New York Times after obtaining the file in June 2025, offers a rare glimpse into private assessments by Russian counterintelligence officials and highlights a stark contrast with the Kremlin’s public portrayal of its partnership with China.
According to the report, the document was prepared by the FSB’s Department for Counterintelligence Operations and circulated among regional offices. It allegedly outlines a range of activities that Russian security officials believe threaten Russia’s strategic interests.
Among the concerns raised is the accusation that China has been attempting to recruit Russian intelligence officers, scientists, journalists, business executives and government officials to gain access to sensitive military and technological information.
The document claims that Chinese intelligence services have specifically targeted former and current employees of Russian defence industries and research institutions, particularly individuals facing financial difficulties or dissatisfaction with government policies.
“Priority recruitment is given to former employees of aircraft factories and research institutes, as well as current employees who are dissatisfied with the closure of the ekranoplan development programme by the Russian Ministry of Defence or who are experiencing financial difficulties,” the memo reportedly stated.
Russian intelligence officials also accused Beijing of closely monitoring Russia’s military operations in Ukraine in an effort to study Western weapons systems, military tactics and modern battlefield technologies.
According to the document, Chinese authorities have shown particular interest in drone warfare, advanced Western military equipment and methods used to counter modern weapons supplied to Ukraine by Western nations.
The memo further suggests that Beijing may be gathering intelligence that could prove useful in any future confrontation involving Taiwan or other regional security disputes.
Beyond concerns over espionage, the document reportedly reveals fears that China may be laying the groundwork for future territorial claims in Russia’s Far East.
Russian intelligence officials expressed concern over Chinese academic and historical research activities focused on territories that once belonged to China before being incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century.
The document alleges that Chinese researchers are seeking evidence of ancient Chinese settlements and cultural influence in regions near Vladivostok and other parts of Russia’s Far East, potentially to strengthen future territorial narratives.
Moscow has historically remained cautious about China’s growing presence along the two countries’ 4,200-kilometre border, particularly in sparsely populated eastern regions that border China’s densely populated provinces.
Despite these reported concerns, Russia and China have continued to publicly present their relationship as a strategic partnership, strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, defence and diplomacy in recent years.
Neither the Russian government nor Chinese authorities have publicly commented on the authenticity of the leaked document.
