German intel service warns of risks from Chinese tech

German intelligence services warned Monday that Chinese high-tech goods could pose security risks due to the potential for data to be collected and passed on to "state agencies".

Concerns are mounting in Germany about the threat from an overreliance on Chinese technology as sales grow of equipment ranging from electric vehicles to robot vacuum cleaners.

Sinan Selen, the head of Germany's BfV domestic intelligence agency, said he viewed the issue "with great concern".


"I already see substantial shortcomings that create potential for abuse," he told a hearing of parliament's intelligence oversight committee in Berlin.

Data that is collected could be passed on to "state agencies", he said, leading to risks including "potential shutdown of entire products".

"In terms of resilience and availability (this) could confront us with problems," he said.

Germany and China, the world's third- and second-biggest economies respectively, have long had deep ties, especially in the field of commerce.

But relations have become more strained as Berlin increasingly worries about an economic overreliance on China, and as Chinese firms increasingly compete directly with German manufacturers.

Berlin previously announced the phase-out of components from Chinese telecom giants in its 5G networks due to security concerns, and has also blocked or watered down attempted Chinese investments in strategic sectors like chipmaking.

In 2023 the government unveiled a strategy for managing ties with Beijing which recognised that China was a "competitor and systemic rival", as well as a partner.