PARIS: Two former French spies have been arrested after being accused of passing classified information to China, officials revealed on Friday, highlighting what experts see as Beijing’s push to develop its foreign intelligence capabilities.

The suspected double-agents were charged and detained last December, but the incident only came to light late on Thursday following French media reports and a statement from Defence Minister Florence Parly.

“Two French agents in our service and probably one of the spouses of these agents are accused of serious acts likely to be considered acts of treason, on suspicions of delivering information to a foreign power,” Parly told CNews television.

Speaking from Moscow, French President Emmanuel Macron called the alleged conspiracy “extremely serious” and said the justice system would investigate and judge the suspects.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2018