China’s Ministry of State Security has issued a fresh warning, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by overseas spy agencies camouflaged within consulting firms, purportedly aimed at acquiring state secrets.
Through a six-minute video released on the ministry’s official WeChat social media account, a real-life case is depicted where foreign spy agencies allegedly orchestrated a consulting firm to pilfer classified information from a Chinese corporation seeking international investments.
This disclosure coincides with Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s recent meeting with American CEOs, attempting to assuage concerns and affirm China’s commitment to openness for business amidst economic uncertainties and authoritarian signals from the government.
In the past year, foreign investment in China has dwindled, propelled by shifting supply chains and reinforced by China’s implementation of stringent anti-espionage measures, including exit bans and crackdowns on consulting and due diligence firms.
Concurrently, the Ministry of State Security has intensified its social media campaigns to alert the public about foreign espionage activities, punctuated by the release of four videos since the inception of its social media account last year.
The latest video, designed with the ambiance of a spy thriller, seeks to convey the modus operandi of espionage activities orchestrated through consulting agencies. It narrates the tale of a Chinese company executive interrogated by a consulting firm representative, delving into sensitive inquiries encompassing the company’s financial details, product specifications, and military applications.
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