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How China turns members of its diaspora into spies

www.economist.com

Date posted: May 22, 2025 at 6:32pm

America is on the hunt for these non-traditional agents. But its efforts risk backfiring | China

Expanded Summary

The article delves into the intricate dynamics of how China effectively recruits members of its global diaspora to serve as intelligence agents, posing significant challenges for American national security. With an increasing number of individuals living abroad, often motivated by personal or economic reasons, China has developed sophisticated methods to leverage these expatriates for espionage activities. The piece explores the implications of this trend, highlighting the delicate balance America must maintain in its efforts to combat such non-traditional threats while avoiding actions that may alienate or unjustly target innocent individuals within these communities. The growing complexity of international relations, coupled with the evolving tactics of state-sponsored espionage, underscores the urgency for the United States to refine its strategies in addressing this multifaceted issue.

What you’ll learn

You will discover how China recruits its diaspora for espionage activities.

The article outlines the potential repercussions of America's counterintelligence efforts.

Insights into the balance needed to protect national security without alienating communities are discussed.

Why this matters

This topic is critical as it highlights the evolving nature of espionage in a globalized world, where traditional boundaries of national security are increasingly blurred. Understanding how countries like China capitalize on their diaspora for intelligence purposes can inform more effective and nuanced policies. Additionally, recognizing the potential for missteps in counterintelligence efforts is essential to maintaining trust within diverse communities while safeguarding national interests.

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