China has publicly accused a government worker, identified only by his surname Hao, of spying for the CIA. This is the second high-profile espionage case made public this month as China intensifies its focus on national security
Chinese authorities have accused a government worker, identified only by his surname Hao, of spying for the CIA, marking the second high-profile espionage case publicized this month. The Ministry of State Security (MSS) is investigating the individual, who was allegedly recruited by the CIA while studying in Japan. According to the ministry, Hao developed a relationship with a US embassy official in Japan, who later introduced him to a CIA officer, leading Hao to sign an espionage agreement and receive training.
Upon returning to China, Hao secured a position at a government ministry and allegedly met with CIA agents multiple times to provide intelligence and collect espionage funds. This accusation comes just 10 days after the MSS claimed to have uncovered another Chinese national, a worker at an unidentified military industrial group, spying for the CIA. Both statements were released on WeChat, where the MSS recently set up its first public-facing social media account.
The MSS has taken a higher profile to warn the Chinese public against espionage, calling on “all members of society” to join the fight against espionage and offering rewards and protection for those providing information. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has prioritized national security to counter perceived growing threats from “foreign forces,” particularly the United States, aimed at undermining China’s rise and political stability.
The recent deterioration in ties between the US and China has intensified their long-standing rivalry in espionage. Earlier in August, two US Navy sailors in California were arrested for allegedly providing sensitive US military information to Chinese intelligence officers. This escalation reflects the broader tensions between the world’s two largest economies.