Beijing Fights Fire with Fire in Global Espionage Chess Game
China Warns the U.S. Following CIA Director's Remarks
Overt Operator
July 25, 2023
Commentary
When it comes to matters of international espionage, two nations can play the game. In a move straight out of a le Carré novel, China has vowed to block the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from conducting operations within its borders, responding to recent statements by CIA Director William Burns on the recovery of US spy networks in the country.
The CIA's acknowledgment of its reconstituted intelligence capabilities in China, and the Chinese Government's counter-declaration, come against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tension, cyber espionage, and a high-stakes battle for global supremacy in the digital age.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, responded to Burns' comments made last week at the Aspen Security Forum, where he claimed significant progress in the CIA's intelligence rebuilding effort after a devastating loss of agents in China starting in 2010.
Citing major hacking operations tied to the Chinese government that compromised email accounts at the Commerce and State Departments, Burns emphasized the CIA's dedication to strengthening its human intelligence capabilities to supplement its other methods. The recent hack, reported by Microsoft, was attributed to "nation-state" backed operators linked to Beijing.
China's stern retort points to an escalation in the ongoing intelligence war, with Mao expressing concern over Burns' remarks:
"China will take all measures necessary to safeguard national security," Mao warned.
Beijing criticized Washington for peddling "disinformation" about Chinese cyberattacks and espionage activities, while openly admitting its large-scale intelligence operations targeting China.
In a simultaneous development that illustrates the multi-faceted nature of this game, Australia revealed the presence of a Chinese spy ship off its coast as a major U.S.-Australia-led military exercise, Talisman Sabre 2023, kicked off. Lt. Gen. Greg Bilton, Chief of Joint Operations for the Australian Defense Force, made this disclosure but asserted that such detection was nothing new and that the country was prepared.
With over 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations participating,these exercises across northern Australia are yet another manifestation of the complex web of international relations and strategic posturing.
Amid the murky waters of accusations and counter-accusations, a grim reality is beginning to emerge. The U.S.'s National Counterintelligence and Security Center warned American businesses of new Chinese laws, including a counterespionage law enacted on July 1, that potentially threaten U.S. companies' operations in China. The laws grant Beijing expanded authority to access and control data held by U.S. firms.
The Chinese government and media often lambasts the CIA for alleged attempts to incite a "color revolution" against the Chinese Communist Party. In contrast, U.S. officials such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan have denied any intention of toppling the Chinese communist system.
Nevertheless, China has initiated a crackdown on American and other foreign companies, suspecting them of espionage. As this new chapter in global intelligence warfare unfolds, the only certainty is uncertainty.