IS CHINA TRYING TO UNDERMINE THE UNITED STATES?
Why Washington is a target
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.