Xi Jinping Stokes Spy Fears in China, Risking Paranoia and Distrust

Xi Jinping is pushing citizens to be vigilant against perceived foreign threats and spies infiltrating China. Police and universities are telling people that spies could be anywhere.
This comes after Xi chaired a meeting stressing "extreme-case scenario" national security thinking. China recently passed an anti-spy law and accused firms of spying.
The Ministry of State Security (MSS) is becoming more visible, posting on WeChat about catching spies to encourage security as a priority. This is unusual as the MSS typically stays private.
Citizens are increasingly suspicious of each other. Not knowing pop culture or math mnemonics could mark someone as a potential spy. People are apologizing after falsely suspecting others.
The push risks damaging consequences, with false reporting and bad information. It is creating distrust of foreigners and backfiring on governance.

ndtv.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/2/2023

China wants to mobilize the entire nation in counter-espionage

Main Topic: China's state security ministry calls for citizens to participate in counter-espionage work. Key Points: 1. China aims to establish a system that encourages citizens to report suspicious activity and participate in counter-espionage efforts. 2. The expansion of China's counter-espionage law in July has raised concerns among foreign companies operating in China. 3. China's focus on political security and safeguarding the Communist Party's leadership is emphasized in its efforts to combat espionage.

9/11/2023

China's Faltering Economy Highlights Risks of Overreliance on Real Estate and Centralized Control

China's economic downturn and the arrest of a senior Westminster aide for suspicion of spying highlights the need for Western countries to untangle their economies from China's control and focus on building up their own economic security.

9/17/2023

U.S.-China Spying Surges as Rivals Seek Insights on Leaders and Military

China and the United States are engaged in an increasingly aggressive and secretive espionage war, with both sides striving to gather intelligence on leadership thinking and military capabilities, as tensions escalate between the two countries.

9/17/2023

Congress On High Alert After Chinese Espionage Plot in UK; Experts Warn Lawmakers to Guard Against Infiltration by Beijing Spies

Chinese spies have infiltrated Congress and attempted to gain access to classified information, prompting warnings for increased vigilance and education about the threat of infiltration, as seen in a recent incident in the UK involving a suspected Beijing espionage plot in British parliament.

9/18/2023

GOP Warns of Increased Chinese Spy Threat at Southern Border, Calls for Mayorkas Impeachment

Top Republican warns that President Biden's border policies are allowing Chinese spies to infiltrate the US and pose a long-term threat to national security.

9/18/2023

Chinese Universities Offer Spy-Catching Courses in Xi's Push for Extreme Vigilance

China's top universities are offering courses and activities aimed at teaching students and faculty to catch spies, with a particular emphasis on national security and the importance of "extreme-case scenario" thinking.

Topics

Posted 9/18/2023, 4:20:41 AM

Xi Jinping Stokes Spy Fears in China, Risking Paranoia and Distrust

Xi Jinping is pushing citizens to be vigilant against perceived foreign threats and spies infiltrating China. Police and universities are telling people that spies could be anywhere.
This comes after Xi chaired a meeting stressing "extreme-case scenario" national security thinking. China recently passed an anti-spy law and accused firms of spying.
The Ministry of State Security (MSS) is becoming more visible, posting on WeChat about catching spies to encourage security as a priority. This is unusual as the MSS typically stays private.
Citizens are increasingly suspicious of each other. Not knowing pop culture or math mnemonics could mark someone as a potential spy. People are apologizing after falsely suspecting others.
The push risks damaging consequences, with false reporting and bad information. It is creating distrust of foreigners and backfiring on governance.

ndtv.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/2/2023

China wants to mobilize the entire nation in counter-espionage

9/11/2023

China's Faltering Economy Highlights Risks of Overreliance on Real Estate and Centralized Control

9/17/2023

U.S.-China Spying Surges as Rivals Seek Insights on Leaders and Military

9/17/2023

Congress On High Alert After Chinese Espionage Plot in UK; Experts Warn Lawmakers to Guard Against Infiltration by Beijing Spies

9/18/2023

GOP Warns of Increased Chinese Spy Threat at Southern Border, Calls for Mayorkas Impeachment

Top Republican warns that President Biden's border policies are allowing Chinese spies to infiltrate the US and pose a long-term threat to national security.

9/18/2023

Chinese Universities Offer Spy-Catching Courses in Xi's Push for Extreme Vigilance