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‘Resist temptations’: China’s top spy agency warns overseas staff are being targeted for hi-tech secrets
- Ministry of State Security urges vigilance against ‘quite deceptive’ foreign operatives
- Ramped up alerts come after China expanded powers of its national security agencies
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China’s top intelligence agency has warned that overseas entities have been approaching and tricking Chinese personnel stationed in their countries to steal China’s hi-tech industrial secrets.
In a post on its official WeChat account on Friday, the Ministry of State Security warned that the methods used by foreign spy agencies can be “quite deceptive” and overseas Chinese employees should take precautions.
When such entities identify overseas Chinese personnel overseas, they usually approach them in three stages, the ministry said.
First, they create a “chance encounter”, where they pretend to be friendly and helpful to their targets. Then, they make frequent contact with their targets, invite them to dinners, and share information about their lives to gain trust.
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Finally, when the targets have lowered their guard, the spies trick or threaten them to sell state secrets, according to the post.
When stationed in an unfamiliar environment far from families and friends, the Chinese staff may be inclined to socialise, the ministry said, but cautioned they should be calm and rational and avoid risks.
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“They should stay on guard about the motivations others may have when they make friends, have a strong awareness to keep secrets and resist temptations,” the ministry said.
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