- Russia continues its intelligence, cyber, and influence operations and is also using new methods to recruit individuals for specific tasks, according to the BIS, the Czech Republic’s Security Information Service.
- China focuses primarily on acquiring information, technology, and strategic know-how. In addition, cyberattacks, extremism, terrorism, and the circumvention of sanctions remain significant risks.
- For the Czech Republic, this means that national defense is no longer solely a matter for the military. Equally important is the resilience of institutions, critical infrastructure, industry, and the information space.
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While the reduction of Russia’s diplomatic presence in the Czech Republic has made the traditional work of Russian intelligence services more difficult, it does not mean the end of such activities. Moscow is seeking other ways to gather information, influence the environment in European countries, and support activities that could undermine their stability.
This development fits into a broader picture also described by NATO. The Alliance considers Russia to be the most significant and direct threat to the security of its allies and highlights a combination of conventional, cyber, and hybrid tools. These include, for example, sabotage, cyberattacks, electronic jamming, disinformation, political influence, and economic coercion.
One notable trend highlighted by the BIS is the so-called “disposable agents.” These are not necessarily professional intelligence operatives. Individuals may be approached via the internet and accept a specific task in exchange for financial compensation.
The main advantage of this model for the client is the low risk involved. There is no need to build a long-term relationship with the agent or integrate them into an extensive intelligence network. The individual is given a task that may be relatively simple to carry out, and contact can then be severed.
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According to the BIS, Chinese activities are of a different nature. The report highlights, above all, efforts to acquire information, knowledge, and technologies that may have strategic value … security and economic policies are increasingly intertwined. Information on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, advanced manufacturing, or defense technologies may not be classified in and of itself. However, the systematic acquisition of such information can be significant for the state’s technological and strategic competitiveness.
NATO views China as a systemic challenge. Among other things, it highlights China’s military growth, cyber activities, and cooperation with Russia. In its 2025 report, NATO also notes that following a cyber campaign against the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2025 – which the Czech Republic attributed to China – the North Atlantic Council issued a statement of solidarity with the Czech Republic.
The Czech experience is thus not an isolated case. It is part of a broader European problem concerning the protection of technology, research, and critical systems.
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The Czech Republic is home to industrial companies whose products can have both civilian and military applications. This heightens the importance of export controls and preventing the circumvention of sanctions regimes.
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