Russian and Chinese intelligence services are increasing their activities in Estonia, according to a report by the Estonian internal intelligence, quoted by DPA and BTA.
"Russian intelligence services are becoming increasingly aggressive. While in some cases they act more crudely, they also use more covert methods," Estonian intelligence said in its annual report published on Friday.
"The war in Ukraine has given them a new direction and a new purpose - they pose a serious threat," the report states.
The document adds that Russia is likely to continue its efforts to create social tension in its neighboring countries. However, the report finds that Estonian society has proven its resilience, and hybrid operations and intimidation tactics have not achieved their goals.
Estonian special services have detained about a dozen people suspected of planning crimes on behalf of Russian services in the period from the end of 2023 to mid-February 2024.
Along with Russia, China represents the biggest intelligence threat to Estonia, the report says.
"Compared to Russia, China's intelligence efforts are both more extensive and more intensive," the report states.
"Chinese companies and communities in countries around the world are being used to achieve China's intelligence goals," the document noted.
The Chinese embassy in Tallinn serves as one of the most important tools for the exercise of "soft power", the report by the Estonian domestic intelligence service also says.