A warning has emerged regarding China’s aggressive espionage tactics aimed at U.S. military personnel and government officials. Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, described China’s approaches to gathering sensitive information as “shameless.” A former CIA station chief, Dan Hoffman, highlighted that individuals in the U.S. government, particularly military service members, have become prime targets in these overseas spy operations.
Recent arrests underscore the severity of the situation. Army soldiers Jian Zhao and Li Tian were detained after allegedly selling classified military information to Chinese operatives. Prosecutors indicated that Tian exchanged sensitive details, including documents on the Stryker combat vehicle and U.S. weapon systems, for tens of thousands in return.
Authorities stress that these incidents reveal a concerning trend where Chinese intelligence recruits trusted intermediaries, or “cut-outs,” to access crucial military data. In another instance, Zhao reportedly sold classified materials related to U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China.
FBI Director Kash Patel condemned these acts of betrayal, emphasizing the need for vigilance among service members handling sensitive information. Hoffman reiterated that espionage efforts could entail deceptive recruitment methods that utilize social media platforms to approach potential targets. This trend calls for increased awareness and security measures to protect national interests.
Source: www.foxnews.com
