In November, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an article titled, “A Xi Enforcer is Revving Up China’s Spy Machine—and Alarming the West.”
The article explores the documented actions and public comments made by the head of China’s spy agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The MSS chief said, “Create more advanced means of attack and defense, and strive to improve our ability to use science and technology to safeguard national security.”
What Does That Mean?
This statement is not just rhetoric; it is a call to action. The MSS chief is urging Chinese citizens, agencies, and private firms to infiltrate foreign nations, particularly the U.S., to steal sensitive information and undermine Western national security.
The WSJ article highlights, “The expansive effort, officials say, has mobilized security agencies, private firms and civilians to amass troves of information.”
What makes this effort particularly alarming is the public nature of the MSS campaign. For decades, the MSS operated in secrecy, but now it is stepping into the spotlight with a clear strategy to engage ordinary Chinese citizens in national security efforts.
This MSS Announcement is Not for the Chinese People
While the MSS is publicly framing its espionage activities as defensive and necessary, this message is primarily aimed at Western nations, especially the U.S. It is designed to instill fear, project power, and shift blame.
Chinese citizens, however, have little choice in these matters. They are compelled to cooperate with the state to support espionage efforts, often under threat of severe consequences.
China remains the wolf disguised in a lamb’s outfit—presenting itself as a victim while aggressively pursuing global dominance through intellectual property theft and information warfare.
What Public Medium is the MSS Now Using?
For the first time, the MSS has ventured into social media. The WSJ article describes how the MSS launched a WeChat account in the summer of 2023 to connect with ordinary Chinese citizens. The account urged people to advance President Xi Jinping’s vision by building a “people’s line of defense for national security.”
Other quotes from the WSJ article include:
- “Chen [the MSS chief] brought his publicity skills to the MSS, an agency long shrouded in secrecy with no official website or spokesperson.”
- “The internet is the new battlefield, and new media is the new combat power.”
- “Officials must be ‘good at transforming the mysterious, miraculous, and divine nature of national-security work into strengths in communication, penetration, and influence.’”
This use of social media marks a significant shift for the MSS, signaling its intent to modernize its espionage tactics and involve ordinary citizens in its efforts.
Analysis of the MSS Strategy
The MSS’s public approach serves multiple purposes:
- Intimidation: By making their intentions clear, the MSS seeks to warn Western nations of its capabilities.
- Propaganda: It portrays China as a victim forced to defend itself against Western aggression, deflecting attention from its own espionage activities.
- Engagement: By involving civilians, the MSS amplifies its efforts and creates a culture of nationalistic duty tied to espionage.
Another quote from the WSJ article emphasizes this point:
“The MSS’s social media work is not just about communication—it’s about penetration and influence. The agency’s use of WeChat and other platforms is a calculated move to turn the internet into a battleground for information warfare.”
Final Thoughts
This is yet another example of the “pot calling the kettle black.”
To be clear, the MSS’s strategy will continue to involve stealing intellectual property and accumulating vast amounts of sensitive information—whether through hacking government agencies, infiltrating private firms, or targeting the personal data of average citizens.
The Chinese MSS’s efforts to steal will intensify during the next U.S. administration.
It is imperative for public and private industries in the U.S. to take proactive measures to protect intellectual property and sensitive data. The internet has become the primary battlefield in this modern Cold War, and vigilance is no longer optional—it is a necessity.
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