Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has warned that Chinese high-tech products could pose security risks, citing concerns that data collected through such devices could potentially be transferred to Chinese state agencies.
Sinan Selen, head of Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), raised the concerns during a hearing of parliament’s intelligence oversight committee in Berlin on Monday. He said Germany should be increasingly cautious about its reliance on Chinese technology as the use of Chinese-made products expands across sectors.
“I already see substantial shortcomings that create potential for abuse,” Selen said, pointing to the possibility that information collected by high-tech products could be passed on to “state agencies.”
According to Selen, such risks could extend beyond data privacy and cybersecurity. He warned that access to connected products could potentially enable the “shutdown of entire products,” creating challenges for Germany’s resilience and the availability of critical technologies.
Concerns over Chinese technology have intensified in Germany as Chinese companies expand their presence in markets ranging from electric vehicles to consumer electronics, including robot vacuum cleaners. The developments have raised questions about data security, technological dependence and the potential vulnerability of connected devices.
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Germany and China, the world’s third- and second-largest economies respectively, have maintained strong commercial ties for decades. However, relations have become more complicated as Berlin seeks to reduce its economic dependence on Beijing and Chinese companies increasingly compete with German manufacturers.
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Germany has already taken steps to limit Chinese involvement in strategically important technology. Berlin previously announced plans to phase out components supplied by Chinese telecommunications companies from its 5G networks, citing security concerns.
The government has also blocked or restricted proposed Chinese investments in sensitive sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing.
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In 2023, Germany introduced a strategy for managing its relationship with China, describing the country as a partner while also identifying it as a “competitor and systemic rival.” The latest intelligence warning highlights Berlin’s continued concerns over the security implications of growing dependence on Chinese technology.