Century-old Swiss hotel under spotlight amid F-35 deployment and espionage concerns

A century-old hotel near Switzerland’s Meiringen airfield, where F-35 jets will be based, draws American intelligence scrutiny over potential espionage by its Chinese owners

A century-old hotel in Unterbach, Switzerland, has garnered attention from American intelligence due to its proximity to Meiringen airfield, soon to host Swiss Air Force F-35A jets.

The historic Hotel Rössli, owned by the Chinese Wang family since 2018, has become a focal point of espionage concerns. The U.S. and British officials suspected the hotel of being a prime location for Chinese intelligence to gather information on the F-35s.

Despite concerns, Swiss intelligence discovered no concrete evidence of espionage following a police raid. The Wangs denied any involvement, stating the hotel was merely a retreat.

However, their unfamiliarity with Swiss customs, frequent trips to China, and the arrival of new Chinese workers without residence permits raised suspicions.

The U.S. pointed to China’s 2017 national security law, which could compel the Wangs to assist in intelligence gathering.

Last year, the Swiss Army purchased the hotel after listing it for sale. The terms of the sale were not disclosed. The acquisition aimed to address potential security concerns linked to the deployment of the F-35.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions and security concerns as Switzerland prepares for the arrival of the F-35 jets, marking its largest military investment in history.

Source: Newsroom