Merkel Says US Spy Allegations Are Serious, If True

TIMEWorldinternational relations Merkel Says U.S. Spy Allegations 'A Serious Case' German Chancellor Angela Merkel met the Chinese premier Monday and hailed ties between the two sides. She is in China leading a large business business delegation to promote trade with the Asian economic giant.

(BEIJING) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that if allegations a German intelligence employee spied for the United States are proven true, that would be a 'clear contradiction' of trust between the allies.

Merkel spoke Monday while visiting China about the arrest last week of a 31-year-old man suspected of spying for foreign intelligence services. German media, without naming sources, have reported that the man worked for Germany's foreign intelligence service and had passed on information to U.S. agents since 2012.

Speaking at a news conference with the Chinese premier, Merkel said, 'If the allegations are true, it would be for me a clear contradiction as to what I consider to be trusting cooperation between agencies and partners.'