Cracks in Putin’s Alliance: Russia Turns on China With Espionage Accusations

Chinese agents allegedly even sought information about long-dead Soviet aerospace projects.

“No-Limits” Friendship on the Rocks

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping once declared a “no-limits” partnership, defiantly strengthening ties after the Ukraine invasion.

But behind the scenes, tensions are now boiling over.

A leaked FSB memo has exposed a dramatic rift, with Russia’s security services reportedly labelling China an “enemy.”

Kremlin Accuses Beijing of Spying on Military Secrets

According to the memo, the FSB believes China has been stealing sensitive military technology, including drone and aviation systems.

Chinese agents allegedly even sought information about long-dead Soviet aerospace projects, like the ekranoplan, a Cold War hybrid of aircraft and warship.

Suspicion Mounts Over Siberian Ambitions

Perhaps most alarmingly, Russian intelligence now suspects China of harbouring territorial ambitions in Siberia.

The FSB fears Beijing’s long-term plan could include staking historical claims, a concern sparked by old Chinese place names appearing on maps and subtle shifts in academic discourse.

China’s Influence Grows in Moscow’s Backyard

While Russia’s war drains its resources, China has been expanding its presence in Central Asia and the Arctic, traditionally Russian spheres of influence.

These moves are reportedly being closely tracked by FSB agents, adding fuel to suspicions that Beijing is quietly undermining Moscow’s power.

Victory Day Smiles Hide Deepening Distrust

Just weeks ago, Xi Jinping stood beside Putin at Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations, publicly reaffirming support.

But the recent leak shows that behind the friendly photo ops, Kremlin insiders are gripped by unease, suspecting China of betrayal, and scrambling to respond.

Putin Branded a Pawn in “Silent Colonisation”

Russian dissident Mikhail Khordokovsky didn’t mince words.

“This isn’t an alliance,” he said. “It’s Russia becoming a junior partner to a country that doesn’t respect or trust it.”

He accused Putin of selling the war as a path to greatness, and delivering only dependence, decay, and “quiet colonisation.”

A Strategic Divorce in the Making?

Despite continued economic and military cooperation on the surface, the leaked memo suggests a strategic split may be underway.

With mutual suspicion rising and global stakes intensifying, what was once hailed as a united front may be fracturing under the weight of silent rivalry.