{
  "id": 20045321,
  "title": "Im Visier von ausländischen Agenten: Wenn der chinesische Panda-Zug plötzlich aussieht wie die Kiss-Züge von Stadler",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/im-visier-von-auslandischen-agenten-wenn-der-chinesische-panda-zug",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T20:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NZZ Wirtschaft",
    "slug": "nzz-wirtschaft",
    "url": "https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/im-visier-von-auslaendischen-agenten-wenn-der-chinesische-panda-zug-ploetzlich-aussieht-wie-die-kiss-zuege-von-stadler-ld.10063027"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "The recent case of Nvidia highlights the widespread issue of economic espionage. Swiss companies, with their high-tech products, have become attractive targets for such activities. However, they underestimated the risks, according to an expert. Austria's Westbahn is the first European railway company to use Chinese trains. Since last year, the Chinese manufacturer CRRC has been running a \"Panda\" train between Vienna and Bregenz. The state-owned corporation won the contract due to a significantly lower offer, compared to European suppliers. The Westbahn emphasized in a video on its company website that while the Panda's exterior may seem unfamiliar, it is not much different from the Stadler Rail trains made by the Swiss manufacturer. Experts believe that the Panda is essentially a copy of the Kiss in many aspects. Stadler Rail's CEO, Peter Spuhler, often avoided dealing with China, unlike Alstom and Siemens, which never entered a joint venture with CRRC. However, copying trains does not always require a Chinese presence—spying can also occur without it, as seen in the Nvidia case. At trade fairs like Innotrans in Berlin, where industry innovations are showcased every two years, individuals with high-resolution cameras observe the exhibition items without being noticed. Stadler Rail refuses to comment on the suspicion of Chinese espionage, citing security reasons. Swiss Business Protection, a company advising corporations on protection against espionage, confirms that the Swiss economy is a prime target for foreign agents. Chris Eckert, the boss and founder of the company, points out that Swiss businesses with Chinese subsidiaries are particularly exposed. The Federal Intelligence Service warns that the Swiss economy is at risk due to its global companies and open borders. The agency advises Swiss firms to implement measures such as separate IT systems for research departments, strict data access restrictions, and isolated silos for high-risk countries like China. The news service also recommends specialized laptops for foreign trips and cautions against connecting private mobile phones to the corporate network. However, some experts warn against panic-mongering, stating that Swiss companies have largely implemented best practices for protecting business secrets. China aims to become a leading innovation hub and has made significant progress in the rule of law. In case of espionage suspicions, foreign companies can challenge the claims in Chinese courts, according to De Méyère. The Chinese government does not offer preferential treatment to domestic companies. Eckert believes that many businesses underestimate the dangers, with management by incompetence being widespread, especially among smaller companies. Security is often seen as an IT issue, delegated to the IT department or an external IT firm. The risks do not stop at China; western services and para-state organizations are also involved in economic espionage, with Russia and North Korea posing particular threats due to cyberattacks. The lines between traditional economic and competitive espionage and cyberattacks are increasingly blurred, as Eckert observes. He cites a case where an alleged Chinese spy infiltrated a company through falsified identities, monitored the firm, and left before a cyberattack could be launched. This illustrates that even in the age of AI, human factors remain crucial. Social engineering is still the most effective method for obtaining confidential information, Eckert emphasizes. This applies to Switzerland as well. Since the beginning of the year, Serge Bavaud has been leading the Federal Intelligence Service, discussing cyberattacks, Russian spies, and violent extremism. Many Swiss companies are considered easy targets for espionage, warns an expert. The Federal Government is investing heavily in new IT equipment, with Lenovo standing out. However, the NDB chief criticized this company.",
  "summary": "Der Fall Nvidia zeigt, wie verbreitet Wirtschaftsspionage ist. Mit ihren Hightech-Produkten sind auch Schweizer Firmen attraktive Ziele. Doch sie unterschätzten die Risiken, sagt ein Experte.",
  "key_points": [
    "Swiss companies face economic espionage from foreign agents",
    "Westbahn, Austria's railway, uses Chinese Panda trains",
    "Swiss Business Protection warns Swiss economy is prime target"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}