China’s Espionage in the U.S.: Rising Threats and Consequences

Did you know that China’s Ministry of State Security is reportedly the largest and most active spy agency in the world? With an army of spies and sophisticated cyber capabilities, the threat to U.S. security is alarmingly significant.

A Growing Cyber Threat

According to the latest assessments from America’s intelligence agencies, China remains the most active and persistent cyber threat to the United States. Its hackers have infiltrated U.S. government networks, private sector systems, and critical infrastructure like water supplies and power grids. Yet digital intrusions haven’t replaced Beijing’s reliance on traditional espionage. The Chinese Communist Party still leverages a worldwide network of covert agents to monitor international events and intimidate dissidents living in the U.S.

“Since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, China’s spies no longer seem to fear the U.S.”
— Jim Lewis, former U.S. diplomat with over 30 years of experience dealing with Chinese intelligence

The boldness of China’s espionage under Xi Jinping signals a shift in how Beijing approaches international security and influence.

The Machinery of Espionage

Xi Jinping views this era as China’s moment to claim a dominant position on the world stage. He reportedly regards the U.S. and the West as “feeble-minded” and believes China can outmaneuver them. The Ministry of State Security (MSS), often compared to the CIA but endowed with broader domestic powers, is at the core of this strategy. One estimate puts the MSS workforce at around 600,000 agents focused on collecting intelligence primarily from the United States.

Yet paradoxically, the MSS’s top priority is controlling China’s own population. Haunted by the Soviet Union’s collapse, Xi is determined to prevent dissent by keeping a close watch on Chinese expatriates. This dual mission—to target both foreign adversaries and domestic critics—has led to increasingly aggressive tactics abroad.

Covert Operations on American Soil

In 2022, federal authorities uncovered an unregistered overseas police station hidden in New York City’s Chinatown. Ostensibly a place for Chinese nationals to renew documents, the outpost actually aimed to intimidate and silence dissidents. Federal prosecutors shut it down and charged two Chinese-Americans with conspiracy to act as unregistered foreign agents.

In the past five years, the Department of Justice has indicted more than 140 people for hacking, harassment, and spying for China within the U.S. Among them was a former aide to the governor of New York—demonstrating how far Beijing’s influence operations have penetrated local governance.

The Case of Shu Jun Wong

Shu Jun Wong arrived in the U.S. in 1994 as a visiting historian and became a respected figure in the pro-democracy community. Unbeknownst to his colleagues, however, he was an MSS asset for nearly 20 years. In 2022, federal prosecutors indicted Wong for sharing dissident names, contact details, and private conversations with Chinese intelligence officers.

When confronted, Wong claimed, “That is a very big misunderstanding,” denying that he was a spy. But FBI evidence—including recorded meetings where agents, posing as MSS officers, offered him travel incentives and family assistance—proved otherwise. Wong was convicted of making false statements and acting as an unregistered foreign agent.

The Community Response

The betrayal by a trusted member shook the Chinese dissident community in New York. Pro-democracy activist Anna Quac, who testified against Wong, recalled her disbelief: “Did you ever imagine that Mr. Wong was one of the people reporting what you were doing back to China? Not at all.” Her words capture the fear and suspicion now felt by many activists.

As Quac warns, “The thing about the Chinese government is that you can leave the country, you can leave the territory, but you can never actually leave their governance.” This sentiment underscores the constant vigilance required by activists who fear that even in the U.S., they remain within reach of China’s long arm.

The Consequences of Espionage

The broader impact of China’s spying campaign extends far beyond individual cases. The U.S. has responded with targeted sanctions—such as those imposed on Hong Kong officials who harassed activists overseas—and enhanced counterintelligence efforts. Still, experts like Jim Lewis stress that there’s no substitute for human intelligence on the ground.

Despite the scope of these threats, the growing awareness among U.S. authorities and communities offers a measure of hope. Increased training, stronger legal tools against unregistered agents, and greater information-sharing between agencies can help stem the tide of foreign espionage.

Conclusion

• Stay informed and vigilant: Awareness is the first line of defense against foreign espionage threats.

What strategies do you believe could more effectively counter rising espionage activities by state actors?