This year has illuminated a troubling trend of Chinese espionage efforts targeting the United States. Incidents have ranged from military personnel selling Navy secrets to foreign intelligence services to efforts involving smuggling and hacking. In a striking revelation in 2025, a former active-duty military member faced conviction for allegedly selling classified information to Chinese operatives. This case highlighted the ongoing risk that foreign adversaries pose to national security.
Meanwhile, Chinese nationals were apprehended for their roles in attempted recruitment of active-duty service members as intelligence sources. These recruiting efforts demonstrate the lengths to which foreign agents will go to undermine U.S. security. There were also alarming reports of efforts to introduce dangerous pathogens into the country. A case involving the infiltration of a toxin described as a “potential agroterrorism weapon” further intensified concerns. Yunqing Jian, a researcher from the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend were involved in a scheme to smuggle this pathogen into the U.S. Jian was ultimately sentenced to time served and deported, while her partner faced immediate deportation after his arrest at the Detroit airport.
The FBI’s recent indictment of another researcher, Youhuang Xiang, on similar drug smuggling charges exemplifies this ongoing threat. Xiang, working as a post-doctoral researcher at Indiana University, was accused of attempting to transport E. coli into the United States. He also allegedly made false statements during the investigation, which underscores the duplicity involved in these espionage attempts.
In addition to biological threats, 2025 saw disruptions to Chinese intelligence networks operating within the U.S. Federal officials dismantled an intricate intelligence operation linked to the Chinese Ministry of State Security, which sought to lure active-duty soldiers with bribery. This incident underscores how foreign governments can exploit vulnerabilities within the military.
The year also experienced a significant breach from a hacking group dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” which successfully compromised around 200 American companies. This cyber attack involved gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, including information on Congress members, emphasizing the dire implications of such intrusions on U.S. governance and security.
Chinese espionage efforts have extended to agricultural land acquisition, posing additional concerns. Notably, entities linked to China have been purchasing land near military bases, illustrating a broader strategy to infiltrate and exert influence in critical sectors. As noted by Michael Lucci, founder of a conservative group focused on global security, these activities highlight a systematic intent to undermine American assets. He stated, “These events are just the tip of the iceberg,” emphasizing the urgency for lawmakers to take action.
As the threats from China multiply, they reveal a complex challenge to U.S. sovereignty and safety. The evidence suggests that the Chinese government views the U.S. with hostility and seeks avenues to disrupt American interests. Addressing these concerns demands vigilant oversight and clear strategies to protect the nation from foreign infiltration and manipulation.
"*" indicates required fields
