A report alleges that Chinese operatives have employed unconventional methods, including “sexual warfare,” to access trade and technological secrets of American companies. According to unnamed sources, this strategy involves targeting individuals through social platforms like LinkedIn, where attractive young Chinese women are reportedly sending numerous false requests to American professionals. James Mulvenon, director of intelligence at Pamir Consulting, described the phenomenon as systematic.
Experts highlight that Chinese intelligence agencies have established long-term relationships with employees of technology firms, sometimes culminating in marriages to facilitate covert operations over years. Additionally, the report states that Chinese entities organize international startup competitions, offering cash prizes contingent on production relocation to China. U.S. authorities warn companies about risks associated with participation, as annual economic losses from intellectual property theft are estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars.
The investigation also notes that Chinese agents frequently target startups backed by the U.S. Department of Defense, risking restricted access to critical innovations due to foreign investments. Meanwhile, recent tensions escalate as Beijing imposes export controls on rare earth metals, prompting strong reactions in Washington. Further concerns arise from reports of Russian and Chinese women potentially being used to gather technological secrets by marrying American scientists, though these individuals are not always professional spies.
