China Alleges Foreign Attempts to Steal Space Secrets
Facts
- China on Wednesday claimed foreign agencies are spying on its space program as a new 'battlefield for military struggle' emerges. In an article posted on WeChat, the country's State Security Ministry said 'some Western countries' deem China 'a major competitor' in the space sector.[1][2]
- The ministry alleged that these countries had engaged in 'infiltration and espionage activities,' including inducements, bribery, networking, or even coercion of PRC researchers while attempting to steal China's cutting-edge aerospace technology.[3][4]
- Also in the WeChat article were accusations that these Western powers have conducted all-out efforts to jeopardize China's aerospace operations. The country's security agencies have reportedly thwarted such attempts by foreign intelligence agencies.[5][4]
- The ministry also alleged that high-resolution satellites had been deployed for remote-sensing surveillance of China. It emphasized that, under these circumstances, protecting China's space security had become an important strategy for its survival and future development.[6][7]
- Previously, the ministry in May claimed to have similarly thwarted the leak of its aerospace industry's 'core secrets' to foreign intelligence.[8][9]
- China in March criticized the US over reports that SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for the US' National Reconnaissance Office. The People's Liberation Army called it 'shamelessness and double standards,' while urging firms not to 'help a villain do evil.'[10]
Sources: [1]Reuters, [2]The Straits Times, [3]South China Morning Post, [4]Global Times, [5]Ecns, [6]Chinadaily, [7]Khaama Press, [8]Regtechtimes, [9]India Today and [10]Reuters.com.
Narratives
- Pro-China narrative, as provided by Chinadaily. Western nations are obviously jealous of China's space program's remarkable achievements. That's why it's important that China's steadfast security agencies have adeptly thwarted sophisticated espionage operations using robust countermeasures. Beijing must keep its guard up.
- Anti-China narrative, as provided by CNN. In order to further subjugate its people within its surveillance state, China has frequently conjured up foreign spies for the public to fear. It's no surprise that it's now drumming up fears related to its space program. This hurts China at home and on the global stage.