China on Friday warned that it would take “all necessary measures” to counter what it described as foreign espionage activities, following the release of a Chinese-language recruitment video by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The video was reportedly aimed at members of China’s military establishment and other strategic sectors.
Beijing strongly condemned the move, accusing “anti-China forces” of attempting to infiltrate and sabotage the country. According to the foreign ministry, the video is part of a broader effort to undermine China’s national security and internal stability.
The CIA uploaded the video to its official YouTube channel on Thursday. It appears to target disaffected Chinese military officers and individuals with access to sensitive information about China’s leadership and armed forces.
Responding to questions about the video, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the country would resolutely combat any foreign infiltration and sabotage activities and would safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests. However, Beijing did not disclose what specific countermeasures it might take.
What the CIA Recruitment Video Shows
The video depicts a fictional Chinese military officer who decides to contact the CIA after becoming disillusioned with his country’s leadership. In the clip, the character claims that leaders are only protecting their own interests and that their power is built on deception.
Scenes show him spending time with his family before secretly working on a laptop inside his car during heavy rain. He describes his decision to reach out to the CIA as a way to fight for his family and his country.
The video also includes a message encouraging individuals with knowledge of China’s leadership, military, or strategic sectors to contact the agency. It specifically calls on people working in intelligence, diplomacy, economics, science, advanced technology, or those connected to such fields to come forward. The CIA claims it can be contacted securely through its Tor hidden service.
Part of a Broader US Intelligence Push
The recruitment video is the latest in a series of similar outreach efforts launched last year as part of the CIA’s broader push to expand intelligence collection on China.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe previously said the campaign was intended to recruit Chinese officials who might be dissatisfied or under internal pressure, describing the initiative as part of an adjustment in US intelligence tradecraft.
China has previously criticized such actions, calling them “naked political provocation.” Beijing accused Washington of smearing China and openly trying to deceive and lure Chinese personnel into cooperating with US intelligence agencies.