A growing number of Chinese citizens have been apprehended at the California-Mexico border, sparking concerns over potential espionage threats. Experts point to China's National Intelligence Law, which requires citizens to assist in national intelligence efforts, and highlight incidents of Chinese nationals illegally crossing into the U.S. and scoping out sensitive military and infrastructure locations.
In March, a Chinese man wandered onto a Marine Corps base in California, raising alarm over the vulnerability of U.S. military installations to foreign surveillance. Despite claims of being lost, the incident highlights the potential for amateur espionage gigs conducted by Chinese nationals.
According to the Wall Street Journal, there have been approximately 100 such "innocent" incidents in recent years, likely involving individuals carrying out one-off espionage missions for China. The Heritage Foundation Oversight Project has uncovered intrusions by Chinese nationals at Pearl Harbor, raising concerns about widespread surveillance targeting sensitive U.S. military assets.
China's Belt and Road initiative, which involves construction projects in Africa and Asia, provides a pool of potential amateur spies. Chinese investment in the U.S. Northern Marianas Islands has brought problems ranging from human trafficking to public corruption, suggesting that similar issues could arise on the mainland.
This year alone, over 27,000 Chinese nationals have been apprehended at the southern border, most of whom are released after claiming a "credible fear" of persecution. They are often eligible for work authorization within six months, allowing Chinese-owned businesses to legally hire them, creating a pathway for potential espionage activities "hiding in plain sight."
Recent incidents have raised further concerns. The Hotel Rössli in Switzerland, overlooking an airbase where F-35 jets are stationed, was purchased by Chinese investors despite their lack of experience in the hospitality industry.
Additionally, Chinese-owned companies are servicing undersea cables that carry almost all internet traffic. Several ships operated by S.B. Submarine Systems have reportedly turned off their location devices for extended periods, raising suspicions of nefarious activity. This access to critical infrastructure poses a significant security risk, as cables are easily vulnerable to sabotage.
At a recent hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee, experts highlighted the exploitation of the porous southern border by Chinese nationals for illegal entry. These individuals face minimal vetting, potentially allowing our main adversary access to espionage assets.
To address these concerns, experts recommend implementing stricter screening processes, such as requiring Chinese nationals to apply through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and mandating national security reviews by the Treasury's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
The administration must take prompt action to prevent China's strategy of espionage in plain sight from creating the potential for significant disruption and security breaches at Beijing's command.
