Spy cases in China should be disclosed
- Source: The Global Times
- [18:12 May 21 2009]
- Comments
Since this March, there have been more than 10 cases involving so-called “Chinese agents” reported by the US media. However, as a target country of all kinds of espionage, China often plays down cases concerning foreign spies on its own territory, which does not help the world learn the truth.
Why should we not disclose it to the public when spies have seriously damaged China’s national interests?
As the largest developing country in the world, with growing economic and military power, China is a tempting target for many who would like access to its secrets.
In recent years, the US and other foreign countries have boosted their intelligence-gathering activities in China. Some Chinese officials and scholars have been lured with money to provide documents concerning China’s national security.
Me a n w h i l e , many foreign media outlets often sensationalize “Chinese agents” in their countries, as if they are victims of “China’s espionage.”
There are several reasons why the Chinese authorities are reluctant to make cases on foreign espionage available to the Chinese populace.
First of all, it may have an immediate adverse impact on relations with the relevant countries.
Whether in governmental, business, or academic circles, there is a general reluctance to do or say anything that might unduly upset the other parties or threaten bilateral relations and access to markets.
Secondly, there may be a shame on the part of China’s institutions to acknowledge any instances of “failure.”
As a result, while “Chinese espionage” is a hot topic worldwide, the truth that China is a big target for espionage is obscured.
New high-tech applications are making China an even easier target for foreign espionage. The same technologies that underpin China’s and the rest of the world’s information technology industries also pose a threat to the security of sensitive information for these same economies.
As digitization and reliance on the Internet and wireless technologies increase throughout the world, it becomes easier for foreign spies to systematically collect valuable data. In many cases, China has suffered damaging data losses to foreign espionage.
One means of combating the increase in espionage is educating the public, which can help guard against spying by foreign agents. Providing greater disclosure on cases of spying in China will help achieve this end.
After all, foreign spy cases in China are of legitimate concern to the Chinese people and they have a right to be kept informed.
At the same time, we need to let the international community know China is one of the biggest victims of foreign intelligence-gathering operations.