Alleged Chinese Spy in Germany Raised Suspicions Among Tibetan and Pro-Democracy Activists
In 2017, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, met with pro-democracy activists in Dharamshala, India, to discuss China’s repressive policies against Tibetans. Among those present was a German citizen of Chinese origin, Guo, then 36, who wore glasses, a white khata scarf, and had a buzz cut. He was part of a European delegation of Chinese democracy advocates.
Over several days, Guo took photos with Tibetan leaders, including the Dalai Lama, admired by Buddhists worldwide but labeled a “separatist” by Beijing. Tibetan media praised the visitors as “Chinese supporters of the Tibet campaign.” Yet, after Guo’s return to Germany, some fellow activists began to question his behavior.
Dissidents abroad typically protect their identities from government surveillance. They avoid sharing personal details, use nicknames, and rely on encrypted channels. Guo, however, broke these unspoken rules. He pressed to visit activists at home and inquired about the Dalai Lama’s health and travel plans. This behavior raised concern among his colleagues.
Despite doubts, Guo was later made secretary general of a pro-democracy group, assisting with logistics, welcoming guests at airports, and organizing events. Senior activists described him as “quiet,” while younger members saw him as “aggressive” and “confident.”
By 2023, suspicions deepened as Guo demanded real names from younger activists when planning events. Soon after, German authorities arrested him, accusing him of spying for China since 2002. Investigators allege he passed more than 500 documents, including classified European Parliament files, to Chinese intelligence and collected information on dissidents. Belgian authorities also launched an inquiry.
Guo, who denied wrongdoing, said he sought to promote “German-Chinese friendship.” Following his arrest, associates expressed fear that he may have used conferences to gather personal information for Chinese authorities.
The case highlights how Chinese nationals have allegedly infiltrated opposition groups abroad. Western governments, including the U.S., Canada, and others, have pursued cases of espionage and intimidation linked to Beijing. Experts warn that civilians like Guo are part of a broader strategy to silence dissent overseas.
Authorities in several countries have uncovered similar efforts targeting Uyghur communities. One case involves Shadeke Maimaitiazezi, a Uyghur trader in Turkey convicted of spying for China under threats to his family. He denies the charges and is appealing his sentence. Advocates say such cases reflect Beijing’s global attempts to control its diaspora through intimidation, informants, and covert operations.
Activists fear that conferences and community gatherings abroad are being exploited to identify, monitor, and suppress critics of the Chinese government.