Spy claims show American hypocrisy
As the world's only superpower, the United States is used to setting standards of conduct across a range of issues. These include human rights, free trade, currency manipulation and drug control. One area where Washington has been most vocal is its persistent criticism of Chinese espionage against US interests. In the world of intelligence, everyone spies on everyone else. Is the complaint from the US not a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black?
In a new report to the US Congress, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission says China had become 'the most aggressive nation' in spying on the US, and in recruiting Americans as spies. This characterisation may or may not be exaggerated. But we can safely assume US intelligence, military and commerce departments have not been shy about reciprocating with similar efforts against China.
The operation of US Navy oceanographic spy ships off the Chinese coast comes to mind. The annual report has also dragged Hong Kong into the controversy. It says the city's customs standards are slipping, so mainland interests could easily use Hong Kong as a transshipment point for sensitive technologies barred from being exported to China.
The report did not cite a single instance, and commission chairwoman Carolyn Bartholomew admitted the conclusion was drawn by researchers who 'heard accounts' about slipping export-control standards.
If the aim of the new report is to be alarmist, it has succeeded. But if it is to be fair-minded, it leaves a lot to be desired. There is nothing wrong with a nation protecting its national security interests. But we could do without the hypocrisy.
This is an edited version of the leader which appeared in the South China Morning Post on November 21
