• Trial of Jian G., former aide to AfD MP Maximilian Krah, begins in Dresden.
• Jian G. accused of passing sensitive documents to Chinese intelligence.
• Co-defendant Yaqi X. allegedly assisted by providing logistics data on arms shipments.
• Probe reveals potential embarrassment for AfD regarding internal communications.

The trial of two suspected spies for China, including Jian G., a former assistant to far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) MP Maximilian Krah, commenced on Tuesday in Dresden. Prosecutors allege that Jian G. has worked for Chinese intelligence since 2002 and used his position as Krah's aide from 2019 to 2024 to pass sensitive information, including over 500 documents related to debates and decisions within the European Parliament, to Chinese officials. The trial is set to last until the end of September, and Krah has been called to testify as a witness, raising concerns for the AfD regarding the potential disclosure of internal party communications, according to Indiatimes, TRT World, South China Morning Post, and Anadolu Agency.

Jian G. is also accused of being a handler for a second alleged operative, Yaqi X., a Chinese national who worked at a logistics company connected to Leipzig Airport, responsible for assisting Jian G. in acquiring sensitive data on flights and passengers linked to German arms manufacturers. The information shared included details about shipments of defense equipment, particularly concerning the arms giant Rheinmetall, which produces Leopard tanks. Both suspects have been detained since their arrest last year, and if convicted, Jian G. could face a sentence of up to ten years, while Yaqi X. could receive a maximum of five years, according to South China Morning Post and Indiatimes.

The defense has contested the accusations, asserting that Jian G. was a dedicated worker focused on foreign trade issues in Krah's office and only communicated with Chinese officials in an official capacity. Meanwhile, the case is being described as a landmark in terms of exposing the extent of Chinese espionage activities in Germany, revealing a significant interest in German political, military, and economic matters, as emphasized by prosecutor Stephan Morweiser, according to Anadolu Agency and TRT World.