US intelligence agencies have discovered that President Xi Jin Ping had no previous information about the Chinese spy balloon that landed near the American coast in February. He had also expressed his anger to high-ranking army generals about it. Xi is not against risky espionage operations against the US. But when he realized the balloon scandal would affect his talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, he called the senior generals.
The incident highlights the extent of the covert espionage competition between the US and China. The balloon crisis highlights China’s brazen and aggressive espionage efforts against the United States. At the same time, it is also becoming clear that America is increasingly able to collect information about China. President Joe Biden believes China can become the biggest challenge to America’s power in the long term. That’s why they want to overcome his military and technical capabilities. On the other hand, the audacity of the Chinese intelligence services is part of Xi’s plan. He has taken an aggressive stance towards the country’s borders.
The US Air Force shot down a Chinese spy balloon on February 5th. American sailors remove their debris from the sea.
Secret service ordered to become more active worldwide
China and America have instructed their intelligence services to become active worldwide. There are two main reasons for this
1. What are the intentions of the rival country’s leaders?
2 What military and technical capabilities do they have?
Regarding the espionage operation, most U.S. officials say the CIA’s focus is on China’s intentions toward Taiwan. The FBI has turned its attention to investigating Chinese efforts to recruit spies in the United States. American agents have discovered dozens of infiltrations by Chinese citizens into military bases on American soil in the last year. Both countries are rapidly developing their artificial intelligence technology. This will not only maintain military and economic supremacy, but also give their intelligence services a new edge.
American officials say China is keeping an eye on every aspect of America’s and its allies’ national security, diplomacy and advanced commercial technology. The CIA and Pentagon intelligence agencies have created new centers focused on China’s espionage. The ability to search electronic messages has been improved. The movement of spy planes has increased near China’s maritime border. FBI Director Christopher Wray says the espionage conflict with China is more widespread than the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
China’s satellite, cyber system most important
American officials say China’s satellite surveillance system and cyberattacks are the main means of gathering intelligence. China has prepared a new system for aerial espionage using spy balloons. The US government repeatedly warns allied countries that China’s electronic espionage capabilities will increase if they use technology from Chinese communications companies.
Attempts to Infiltrate the U.S. Government U.S. officials are more concerned about Chinese authorities collecting information about personal contacts. China’s main intelligence agency – the Ministry of State Security – wants to recruit agents in the US government. It also aims to infiltrate technology companies and the defense industry. Chinese agents use social media, particularly Linked In, to lure people.
