‘Unprecedented Alarm: Five Eyes Chiefs Warn of China’s Tech Theft’
Communist China’s espionage operations, including theft of intellectual property in technology and other trade secrets, pose significant threats to the West and is “unprecedented in human history,” intelligence chiefs from the Five Eyes alliance warned.
Intelligence chiefs from the Five Eyes alliance have issued a stark warning about the unprecedented threat posed by Communist China’s espionage operations. These operations, which involve the theft of intellectual property and trade secrets, are causing significant harm to Western nations. The scale and scope of China’s actions are unlike anything seen before in history.
In an interview with CBS News’s “60 Minutes” on Oct. 22, the intelligence leaders from the Five Eyes alliance shared their concerns about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) threats, what it means to democracies, as well as the message they want to send to Beijing.
The Five Eyes alliance, consisting of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand, was established after World War II as an intelligence alliance.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that the Chinese regime is the most significant threat of this generation. Their actions pose a comprehensive threat to our ideas, innovation, economic security, and national security. The FBI is currently investigating around 2,000 cases related to Chinese government efforts to steal information.
‘Unprecedented in Human History’
The Chinese regime’s espionage operations are carried out through various means, including hacking. The scale of their hacking program is unparalleled, surpassing that of any other nation. They have stolen an enormous amount of personal and corporate data, far exceeding any other country.
In September, it was revealed that hackers linked to the CCP had breached thousands of email accounts belonging to U.S. government agencies. This breach affected high-ranking officials, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. These incidents highlight the extent of the CCP’s espionage efforts.
According to Mike Burgess, the director of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the scale of the CCP’s espionage efforts is unprecedented. Their actions go beyond traditional espionage and involve massive theft on an unprecedented level.
Chinese businesses have also attempted to acquire land, businesses, and infrastructure in the United States, raising national security concerns. Similar concerns have been raised in Canada, where Chinese companies have purchased land near sensitive areas for spying operations.
Intelligence agencies have observed the CCP’s disguised approaches to individuals in the UK who possess valuable information. These approaches often occur through professional networking sites and have resulted in over 20,000 instances of attempted information extraction.
Transnational Repression
The CCP’s threat extends beyond espionage campaigns and includes the targeting of Chinese dissidents living abroad. The intelligence chiefs cited examples of the CCP’s efforts to intimidate and suppress individuals who criticize Beijing, including attempts to derail political campaigns and even discussions of causing harm to candidates.
One such case involved Xiong Yan, a U.S. Army veteran and congressional hopeful, who was targeted by the CCP due to his involvement in pro-democracy protests. The CCP attempted to manufacture a political scandal and even encouraged physical harm to befall him.
The CCP’s Operation Fox Hunt, which involves pursuing dissidents abroad through harassment and intimidation, was also highlighted. In a recent case, three individuals were convicted for intimidating a New Jersey family on behalf of the CCP, pressuring them to return to China.
‘Threat to Our Way of Life’
The Five Eyes alliance recently convened to address the imminent threat posed by the CCP’s technology theft. The senior intelligence officials held discussions with Silicon Valley executives and Stanford University to safeguard intellectual property. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that the Chinese espionage program is not just a problem for Wall Street but also for Main Street, as it directly impacts American jobs and livelihoods.
Mr. Wray’s message to the Chinese regime is clear: if they want to be considered a great nation, they must start acting like one.
What strategies does China employ to undermine Western businesses and jeopardize national security?
To silence and intimidate critics through harassment, surveillance, and coercion. This transnational repression poses a threat not only to the individuals targeted but also to the values of democracy and freedom upheld by Western nations.
Furthermore, the intelligence chiefs highlighted the CCP’s aggressive pursuit of emerging technologies. China’s strategy involves acquiring foreign technology companies, investing heavily in research and development, and engaging in intellectual property theft. This not only undermines the competitiveness of Western businesses but also jeopardizes national security by enabling China to gain strategic advantages in key sectors.
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