A Canadian woman has been arrested for espionage while serving as an intern at NATO’s operational headquarters, according to Belgian authorities. The Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office initiated the investigation after a tip-off from NATO’s security services alerted Belgium’s military intelligence.

The woman, described as a Canadian citizen of Chinese origin, was detained on Friday, following a search of her residence and workplace within NATO’s command center. She is suspected of spying for another country and being involved in a criminal organization.

The command center for the Allied Powers, referred to as SHAPE, is situated in Mons, a city in southern Belgium near the French border. SHAPE is responsible for planning and executing joint military strategies, tactics, and operations. NATO’s political activities take place in Brussels, where defense and security issues such as spending, drone activity, and cybersecurity are discussed.

“At this time, there is no indication that NATO or SHAPE operational readiness, command and control arrangements, or ongoing tasks have been adversely affected. SHAPE continues to fulfill its responsibilities without interruption,” stated Col. Martin L. O’Donnell, a SHAPE spokesperson.

Both Canada and Belgium are part of the 32-member military alliance that identified China as a security challenge in 2021, alongside threats from Russia and the Middle East. NATO leaders have expressed concern over China’s attempts to undermine global order through opaque military development and disinformation. They claim that China’s assertive actions pose systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and alliance security. The Chinese government countered these claims, stating their military advancements are purely defensive.

This arrest occurs during a crucial period for NATO, amid criticisms directed towards the alliance by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump pressed allies to increase defense spending and supported U.S. involvement in conflicts like Iran. Additionally, his threats to forcibly acquire Greenland from Denmark, a member of NATO, caused unease among European nations and the alliance itself.

In response to Trump’s pressure, NATO members agreed last year to allocate 5% of their GDP towards defense efforts. This includes 3.5% for defense items like jets and missiles, and 1.5% for infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, and cybersecurity.