U.S. and UK intelligence leaders agree that Beijing utilizes every spying tool.
The heads of the FBI and MI5 warned that China’s industrial espionage poses a growing threat to western groups, including through special-purpose acquisition companies. The two made a joint appearance in London, urging companies to be much more vigilant about China.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said Beijing is using “elaborate shell games” to disguise its spying and was even taking advantage of spies. “The Chinese government poses an even more serious threat to western businesses than even many sophisticated businesspeople realize,” he told business leaders at an event with his MI5 counterpart, Director General Ken McCallum.
Director Wray continued, “I want to encourage you to take the long view as you gauge the threat.” In reference to the Ministry of State Security and the People’s Liberation Army, he added, “When you deal with a Chinese company, know you’re also dealing with the Chinese government — that is the MSS and the PLA — too, almost like silent partners.”
The FBI director also said that beyond the stealing of technology, China now is also taking action to shield its economy from any future sanctions should it try to take over Taiwan by force, drawing lessons from western efforts to hold Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine.
“We’ve seen China looking for ways to insulate their economy against potential sanctions, trying to cushion themselves from harm if they do anything to draw the ire of the international community,” Director Wray said. Director General McCallum said MI-5 is now running seven times more investigations than in 2018 related to Chinese activity in the UK.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. intelligence officials as they cooperate with foreign counterparts regarding international threats.
- For Director Wray to seek God’s wisdom as he oversees the FBI.
- For the president and his administration as the threats to national security are evaluated and assessed.
Sources: CNN, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal
