Chinese FM refutes hypothesis of 'Chinese espionage'

In response to The Wall Street Journal's recent report stating that some Western countries believe that China is conducting espionage activities on an "unprecedented scale" to undermine rival states and bolster the country's economy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said he doesn't know what factual basis this report has, yet noted that the CIA recently posted on social media in Chinese on how to contact it online, in an attempt to lure Chinese personnel to be their informant, and this seriously infringes on China's national interest. 

China strongly protests this, Lin said. China will resolutely crack down on infiltration and sabotage activities by anti-China forces outside China and defend national sovereignty, security and development interest.

The U.S. has never stopped its espionage activities against China, and it has also long been conducting massive surveillance and secret theft against its allies, Lin said, noting that the U.S. on the one hand blatantly carries out spy activities worldwide, yet on the other makes unwarranted accusations of spy threats against other countries, which is a clear misrepresentation of the facts. 

As China's Foreign Ministry condemned U.S. espionage activities around the world, China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday also unveiled well-designed espionage activities by foreign powers disguised as coincidences, calling on the public to raise their awareness and strictly keep their behavior in line with standards and regulations, and promptly report any activities that may threaten state security.

National security agencies have learned from their work findings that foreign espionage agencies typically recruit personnel with access to national secrets by initiating conversations and consultations, with the aim of persuading them to serve foreign spy agencies, according to the MSS on its official WeChat account.

Overseas intelligence agencies commonly target personnel on core security-related duties under various pretexts, such as asking for directions or advice, the MSS said.

Once responses are received, the foreign intelligence agency staff will ask for the basic personal information and contacts of the individuals related to the confidential materials, biding their time to seize the state secrets.

Foreign spies will also deliberately and purposely pose as attendees in exhibitions, talks, seminars, and other events in order to become acquainted with participants with potential links to national secrets. After getting familiar with them, overseas spies will progressively solicit them to commit stealing of national secrets.

A short video released by the MSS in June narrated the story of a researcher involved in national scientific research who, being struck up by a foreign spy at an exhibition, gradually dropped into the other side's secret-stealing trap, and eventually recognized the truth and voluntarily turned himself in to the national security authorities.

Internet-based stealing of nationally critical data is another frequent approach adopted by foreign intelligence agencies, according to the MSS.

Foreign spies will use fake identities and establish relationships with individuals working in vital sectors of the country via online forums, chat rooms or online games. After successfully getting acquainted on the internet, overseas espionage will continue to communicate with them until the right moment arrives for theft of state secrets, which may even be extended to face-to-face persuasion.

The MSS reminds the public to be vigilant if they are unexpectedly greeted by someone without a clear reason. In particular, when it comes to sensitive topics, individuals are advised to avoid sharing personal information and work details, and to avoid in-depth discussions if overseas strangers ask for contact information or invite them alone in private.

The public is encouraged to safeguard their personal information to avoid revealing their work affiliations, positions, contact details, and other sensitive information online. Personnel in key areas should strictly abide by the discipline of confidentiality and work discipline, resolutely refuse any request that involves national secrets or may jeopardize national security, the MSS reminded.

The MSS also urges the public to promptly report any illegal acts or suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.