Monday, September 22, 2025

SNEAKING IN THE BACK DOOR


IS CHINA TRYING TO UNDERMINE THE UNITED STATES?

Multiple recent reports indicate that the Chinese government is engaged in actions that are perceived by U.S. and some European officials as deliberate attempts to undermine the United States and its allies. These concerns are part of a broader strategic competition driven by China's desire to achieve technological superiority, increase its global influence, and shift the balance of power away from the United States. 

Is China sneaking into America through its geographic door?
Is Washington state of staging area for the CCP's efforts?

Does anyone find this suspicious?
- Washington is the first state to adopt Muslim state holidays (NYS, a state that is liberal like Washington, just followed suit.)

- Washington is the state where the Wuhan/Covid virus entered the state. From there it showed up in NYS.

Why Washington is a target
Washington state possesses attributes that make it a particularly attractive target for foreign influence and intelligence operations:

  • Military assets: It is home to multiple military installations, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which handles sensitive national defense information.
  • High-tech industry: The Puget Sound region is a hub for major technology companies like Microsoft and Amazon, which are rich sources of intellectual property and sensitive data.
  • Strategic trade location: As a major port for transpacific trade, the state is a key access point for economic activity and can be used for intelligence collection

Evidence of Influence
Washington State has a considerable liberal voter base, with a political landscape that is reliably Democratic at the statewide level. The state also has a significant and diverse Asian American population, including a notable Chinese community, which plays a role in its economy, culture, and politics.

There are documented reasons for suspicion regarding China's espionage and influence activities in the state of Washington, based on recent US Department of Justice charges and national security reports. Washington's location, critical infrastructure, and advanced technology sectors make it a target for Chinese intelligence efforts. 

Espionage and recruitment

Targeting military personnel: In July 2025, the Justice Department charged two Chinese nationals with spying for China's Ministry of State Security. They allegedly attempted to recruit US Navy personnel at naval stations in multiple states, including one in Washington.

Targeting military information: A February 2025 House Committee on Homeland Security report highlighted over 60 cases of Chinese espionage and repression across 20 states, including Washington. It referenced the 2023 indictment of a former US Army sergeant, last stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, for attempting to share national defense information with China.

Gathering intelligence: One of the Chinese nationals charged in July 2025 was reportedly tasked with visiting a naval installation in Washington to identify potential recruits for Chinese intelligence. 

Critical infrastructure and technology
  • Seaport security: Concerns have been raised by security experts about Chinese-made cranes, used at major seaports like those in Seattle and Tacoma, potentially posing a national security risk. These cranes are manufactured by a Chinese company with potential links to the state, and could be used for intelligence gathering or disruption.
  • Technological vulnerabilities: National security reports have warned about risks from Chinese technology, noting that companies and state governments are vulnerable through purchases of Chinese-made tech products and services. Some US military and intelligence agencies have restricted products from certain Chinese technology manufacturers due to security risks. The tech sector in Washington state could be a target.
State and local influence campaigns
  • United Front activities: A 2021 report warned that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses "United Front" organizations to conduct influence operations at the state and local levels. The goal is to co-opt local leaders and use them as proxies to advance Beijing's interests and reduce criticism of its policies.
  • Targeting local leaders: According to the report, these campaigns exploit local leaders' desire for economic cooperation to influence their positions on issues sensitive to the CCP, such as Taiwan, Tibetans, and Uyghurs. 
Espionage and intelligence gathering
Federal authorities have documented several cases of espionage originating from or affecting the Pacific Northwest:
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) cases: In March 2025, the FBI and Department of Justice arrested two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier on charges of selling military secrets to Chinese buyers. The soldiers, stationed at JBLM in Washington, allegedly provided classified hard drives and documents related to U.S. weapons systems.
Pacific Northwest spy network: In July 2025, two Chinese nationals were arrested in Oregon and Texas for running a spy network targeting U.S. Navy personnel. According to prosecutors, the network attempted to recruit individuals at naval installations in multiple states, including Washington.

FBI warnings: Following the JBLM arrests in March 2025, the FBI's Seattle field office issued a public warning about Chinese government espionage efforts targeting residents and businesses in Western Washington. The FBI stated that the Chinese government could leverage vulnerabilities in the high-tech sector and military presence in the region. 
    Sub-national Foreign Influence
    The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) also uses a "sub-national" strategy, targeting state and local leaders to influence national policy. 
    Intelligence alerts: In 2022, the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) warned that China was using both overt and covert methods to influence U.S. state and local leaders. The goal is to cultivate relationships that can be leveraged to advocate for policies friendly to Beijing, such as improving economic ties and reducing criticism of human rights issues.
    Exploiting local issues: The NCSC noted that China often exploits local economic interests to gain influence. By offering seemingly benign business opportunities or exchanges, Beijing can mask its broader political agenda.
Making America Great Again

Making America great again requires that we deal with evil forces out to destroy our country. Fortunately,  the Trump Administration's DOJ, FBI and National Security teams under aren't about to let China fly spy balloons across the USA, let alone get away with destroying our nation!