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The Times: France is “naive” and “vulnerable” to hostile intelligence operations, from Russian espionage to Chinese infiltration of the country’s universities. The French parliamentary delegation’s review also says its allies, mainly the US, are also actively spying on it. Hostile spies have targeted not only businesses and academics but also politicians. They also control the media, set up social organizations and think tanks under their control, and make extensive use of news manipulation.
▪️ Since 2018, a total of more than 600 spies have been expelled from Europe, but Moscow has remained active and its intelligence services are trying to make up for the losses by using rogue spies or “sleeper agents” spies in the West.
▪️ Russia is also trying to draw leading European politicians into its sphere of influence. These are former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, offering them posts in major companies. They have resigned from the management of Russian companies, but they are still accused of promoting a pro-Russian agenda. Turkey and Qatar are also trying to get Western politicians on their side.
▪️ China is the most active foreign power in terms of scientific espionage. Beijing also offers funding to cash-strapped universities in hopes of shaping course content and teaching materials.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/its-too-easy-for-enemies-to-spy-on-us-french-officials-warn-p0lf2b9rj
