German authorities uncover a Chinese communications network's infiltration.
A group of suspected Chinese operatives, numbering 47 individuals, has reportedly been operating in Germany. These individuals have connections that reach up to the federal government, as revealed by a collaborative investigation conducted by RTL and journalists from ten nations. The names of these suspects were leaked and shared with RTL and other international media outlets. According to a Chinese informant, "This is a massive network." They engage in propaganda and attempt to manipulate city councils and local politics, among other things.
Some of these operatives have been spotted in photographs with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, as reported by RTL. Others hold influential roles in the economy, society, and culture, working for corporations like Beiersdorf and Evonik, or serving as professors and teachers at German universities.
These operatives are believed to be representatives of the United Front, a division of the Communist Party of China. Photographic evidence shows them attending relevant events alongside representatives of the United Front apparatus, according to RTL. According to Peter Mattis of the Jamestown Foundation in Washington D.C., "United Front work is about enlisting individuals outside the party to further the party's objectives. If the Communist Party succeeds in this, the world becomes a much darker place."
Mao Zedong himself described the United Front as a "magic weapon" for advancing the ideological goals of the regime. Its purpose is to unite and bring on board all relevant political and societal forces that do not belong to the Communist Party. Since Xi Jinping assumed power in the People's Republic twelve years ago, this system has been expanded overseas.
In Germany, the communists appear to be especially interested in prominent individuals of Chinese descent who lead diaspora associations or have strong connections in politics and business. As explained by China expert Mareike Ohlberg of the German Marshall Fund in an interview with RTL, "They aim to strengthen their ties with these individuals, maintain contact with them so that they can be used as a tool by the party." In this way, any individuals who could potentially aid in achieving the party's goals can be more closely controlled and, if necessary, mobilized.
Tune in to RTL tonight at 0.25 am for a special edition of the night journal to view all the findings.
The Commission has been investigating the activities of the suspicious Chinese operatives in Germany, uncovering their connections to the federal government. The evidence gathered by The Commission suggests that the United Front, a division of the Communist Party of China, is orchestrating this operation.
