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The officer, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, served in a critical communications and electronic systems role within the Air Force. Initial reports indicate the leaked data pertained to sensitive NATO-related intelligence, though officials have emphasized that the recipient was not neighboring Turkey, with whom Greece maintains strained relations. Instead, sources point to China as the beneficiary.

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This incident is not isolated. It follows a pattern of confirmed Chinese espionage activities targeting Greek military assets. In July 2025, four Chinese nationals were detained near Tanagra Air Base for photographing Hellenic Rafale fighter jets and nearby facilities operated by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI). The group, which included a minor and posed as tourists, was found with extensive multimedia evidence of the base’s operations. Greek authorities launched a thorough investigation to determine if this was part of a broader intelligence-gathering campaign, raising alarms about Beijing’s interest in advanced European military technologies.

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Beyond espionage, tensions extend to maritime domains. The Hellenic Navy has been actively engaged in the Red Sea as part of the EU’s Operation Aspides, countering threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels amid disruptions to global shipping lanes. While direct confrontations with Chinese forces have not been reported, analysts note China’s growing naval presence in the region, including incidents like a Chinese warship allegedly using a laser against a German surveillance aircraft in July 2025. Furthermore, accusations have surfaced that Chinese satellite technology may be aiding Houthi attacks, which have targeted Greek-owned vessels, exacerbating perceptions of indirect clashes with Chinese expansionism.

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Economic dimensions add another layer to this multifaceted rivalry. China’s state-owned COSCO Shipping holds a 67% stake in the Port of Piraeus, transforming it into a key hub for the Belt and Road Initiative. However, this investment has drawn scrutiny from the United States, which blacklisted COSCO in January 2025 over alleged ties to China’s military.

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Greek courts have also intervened, blocking COSCO’s expansion plans in 2022 due to environmental concerns, reflecting domestic resistance to unchecked foreign influence.

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