On October 2, 2024, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) took an unprecedented step by posting a video in Mandarin titled “Securely Contacting CIA” on social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Telegram. The agency openly encouraged individuals in China and other countries to provide information “that could be of interest to the CIA,” marking a significant departure from its traditional clandestine operations.
While the CIA emphasized that the safety and well-being of informants were its foremost considerations, it cautioned that responses might not be guaranteed or could take time. This move has sparked reactions online, with many netizens mocking the approach as an attempt to “get something for nothing.” One commenter noted, “It is highly likely that if you contact the CIA at great peril, you will be ignored. Even if you are approached, you will be discarded the moment your value is exhausted.”
A Bold Provocation
The overt solicitation of informants is astonishing to many observers. It is seen not only as a provocation against China but also as a blatant violation of international norms. The CIA’s actions raise questions about the lengths to which it is willing to go in gathering intelligence and the potential repercussions on international relations.
A Long History of Espionage
The CIA’s espionage activities against China date back to the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In the 1950s, the agency trained and funded separatist forces in Tibet and supported armed uprisings against the central government. It also attempted to cultivate spies and disrupt stability in regions like Xinjiang. During the Korean War, agents were airdropped into northeastern China to gather intelligence, all of which ultimately ended in failure.
In recent years, aligning with the U.S. government’s strategic focus on China, the CIA established a China Mission Center and reportedly doubled its budget for China-focused operations, according to CIA Director William Burns. Efforts have intensified to recruit Chinese-speaking personnel, launch cyber-attacks against key Chinese institutions, and influence Chinese students and scholars abroad. Despite these efforts, China’s national security departments have implemented strong countermeasures, significantly impacting the CIA’s spy network within the country.
Implications for International Relations
The CIA’s open recruitment campaign signals a shift in tactics that could further strain U.S.-China relations. Such actions undermine trust and could escalate tensions between the two nations. As global readers and news enthusiasts observe these developments, questions arise about the future of intelligence operations and their impact on international diplomacy.
Reference(s):
From covert to overt: The CIA's desperate recruitment in China
cgtn.com
