China has complained that espionage agencies are offering its citizens jobs. Apparently, these espionage agencies disguise themselves as honest outsourcing agencies.
The government of China singled out photography and research as some tasks the espionage agents are outsourcing.
Through its various security bodies, China has discovered that some foreign agencies are deliberately targeting Chinese to act as spies. Unfortunately, the unsuspecting job seekers accept the jobs and take the tasks seriously. After all, they appear genuine; even the photography and research.
Targets of the Espionage Agencies
Often, such espionage agencies target exhibitions likely to attract people with sensitive information. Sometimes they also target exhibitions held in security-sensitive areas. High on the target list are military functions and technology-related exhibitions.
The Ministry of State Security (MSS) confirmed the allegations. The ministry also added that espionage agencies make unsuspecting Chinese take photographs of military assets, their measurements, and such. Apparently, they sometimes encourage them to use high-resolution lenses for the spy jobs.
Obviously, these lenses can clearly capture sensitive printed information. The espionage agencies or their principals can then use it to assess how modern or powerful China’s military assets are.
Undoubtedly, such information from a combat or other military asset can be dangerous in the hands of foreign espionage agents. Through WeChat, China’s largest online communication platform, the MSS cautioned the public to be alert. The government wants Chinese citizens to be careful lest they be recruited to commit treasonous acts of espionage.
Why China May be a Target of Espionage
Often, when a country behaves in ways that others did not anticipate, they become curious. For instance, China has not been very vocal on the US-Iran war. However, its measured actions leave no doubt about what the Xi Jinping regime thinks of different countries’ behaviors.
Still, some foreign governments may wish to know China’s capability. That could be important to them in case Xi Jinping decides to join the Iran-US/Israel war. That might explain the espionage agencies’ interest.