8-2-2024 (BEIJING) China’s Ministry of State Security has issued a warning to Chinese students about the potential threat posed by foreign spies while studying abroad. This move comes as part of a broader national security campaign by Chinese authorities. The ministry shared a “real case” on its WeChat account, recounting the story of a Chinese graduate named Zhang who allegedly gained admission to a prestigious foreign university despite failing China’s college entrance exam in 2006.
According to the ministry, Zhang was later punished for leaking Chinese scientific research after completing his studies. The account did not disclose which university Zhang attended, but it revealed that he was responsible for connecting with Chinese students overseas and had excelled academically, catching the attention of a senior figure at the university. This individual then introduced Zhang to two people who turned out to be foreign spies. They persuaded Zhang to provide intelligence on Chinese international students and other sensitive information in exchange for money.
The ministry stated that these spies even helped Zhang secure a job at a Chinese research institution, despite his lack of proper qualifications, and instructed him to appear helpful to his colleagues to gather information. Zhang’s actions were described as a betrayal of his promising future, driven by emotional manipulation and monetary temptation from the foreign intelligence agency.
The Ministry of State Security cautioned the public to remain vigilant to national security risks and to uncover potential hidden motives behind seemingly innocent interactions while studying or traveling abroad. Chinese authorities have recently intensified their focus on national security concerns, with the state security ministry becoming more active on social media platforms to raise awareness about the threat posed by foreign spies.
Last year, State Security Minister Chen Yixin emphasized the need to proactively defend against foreign spies in order to strengthen national security and uphold the Communist Party’s leadership. In July 2023, a new counter-espionage law came into effect, broadening the definition of spying and expanding the investigative powers of national security agencies.
Despite recent efforts by China and the United States to enhance academic exchanges as part of broader diplomatic efforts, Chinese students studying in America remain vulnerable to the tensions between the two countries. China has accused US authorities of harassing Chinese students upon their arrival at Washington’s Dulles airport, subjecting them to extensive questioning in an attempt to recruit them as spies.
According to China’s Ministry of Education, more than 8 million students have studied abroad between 1978 and the end of 2021, with the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore being the most popular destinations.
