China's intelligence services eye French political parties amid election season
Experts say Chinese agents have been monitoring French parties, showing particular interest in both left-wing and far-right groups.
According to specialist Paul Charon at the Institut de recherche stratégique de l'école militaire, Chinese intelligence has been increasingly attentive to French political parties for several years. He points out that the Left group in the European Parliament, whose co-presidents include Manon Aubry and Martin Schirdewan, plans a delegation trip to China. The Chinese diplomatic corps has previously expressed sympathy for figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who criticized a U.S. official's Taiwan visit and affirmed the "one China" principle.
Charon adds that Beijing is also cultivating contacts with far-right parties, attracted by their anti-American stance. These developments suggest a broader Chinese strategy to influence European politics ahead of France's presidential election.
Why it matters
Chinese outreach to French parties could shape political narratives and foreign policy ahead of a key election.
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