Three German citizens were arrested for allegedly gathering sensitive naval data and acquiring a high-powered laser for the Chinese security services. The arrests highlight the delicate relationship between Germany and China, especially as Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently visited China to sign trade agreements. The German government is increasingly vigilant about the threat of Chinese espionage, as evidenced by recent incidents such as Chinese hackers stealing sensitive documents from Volkswagen. The arrested individuals used their engineering company to establish a research partnership with a German university, ultimately commissioning a study and exporting a high-powered laser to China without the required permit. The German authorities have emphasized the serious consequences for those involved in illegal activities benefiting foreign intelligence services.