TL:DR
- The CIA encouraged individuals with knowledge about China to share information via a social media video.
- Steps for anonymity included using public Wi-Fi, VPNs, and cash for device purchases.
- The video targeted everyday Chinese citizens, emphasising safety precautions for sharing sensitive information.
- This outreach follows previous recruitment efforts aimed at gathering intelligence amid rising US-China tensions.
- The agency continues to pursue insights amid political and economic conflicts between the two nations.
CIA issues eerie video urging Chinese citizens to ‘share the truth’ about government | News World
The CIA has urged anyone who knows the ‘truth’ about China to come forward and share confidential information with them.
In a bizarre video on their social media accounts, alongside videos of Chinese businesspeople working, the intelligence agency gave instructions on how to give tips about Xi Jinping’s government.
‘The CIA wants to know the truth about China, and we are looking for people who know and can tell the truth,’ they wrote in Mandarin.
The video went on to outline some steps that those with ‘information’ on China can take to let authorities know.
They include ‘assessing risk to yourself/family, using public wifi or non-personal devices, using VPNs, avoiding traceable apps, submitting information on the CIA’s website, and deleting all traces afterwards’.
‘Purchase new or used devices using cash or gift cards without providing any personal information related to you. For used devices, perform a factory reset,’ they urged.
‘Find a public place with public Wi-Fi for an anonymous connection. It’s crucial that your screen is not exposed to any surveillance cameras or other people… Download a web browser and VPN (Virtual Private Network) software from a US or Western company.
‘Now, you need to create a new anonymous email address on the Western email supply platform for contacting us only. It is very important that you absolutely do not enter any personal information that can be traced back to you when creating this account.’
They concluded: ‘If your circumstances allow, consider going abroad first and then proceeding with step one. When you send us a message, please provide your temporary location and contact information at that time. If you are unable to travel abroad, any or all of these steps can be performed by a trusted close relative or friend.
‘After you contact us, the CIA will consider the information you sent. During this time, please continue with your usual daily routine.’
The CIA released a similar video last spring during what appeared to be a recruitment drive for foreign spies.
That video, which targeted everyday Chinese citizens, read: ‘Do you have any information about economic, fiscal, or trade policies?
‘Do you work in the defence industry? Do you work in national security, diplomacy, science, advanced technology, or deal with people who work in these fields?
‘Please contact us. The information you can provide is important, and we value your insights on these topics.’
At the time, a CIA official told Reuters: ‘If it weren’t working, we wouldn’t be making more videos.’
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has previously said: ‘One of the primary roles of the CIA is to collect intelligence by recruiting assets that can help us steal secrets.’
Tensions between the US and China have continued to simmer beneath the surface for many years now.
Last spring, when Trump gave a speech announcing tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%, China signalled it was ready for ‘any type of war’.
Xi Jinping issued a warning to the US, a move that showed a deepening rift between the two global superpowers – and also played right into Trump’s plan to ‘disorder’ global affairs.
China vowed to ‘fight until the end’ and dismissed the fentanyl crisis as a justification for tariff increases on Chinese imports.
And as China continues to cozy up with Russia and North Korea, the United States appears eager to get any information they can on what’s going on behind its borders.