Security agencies from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance have issued a joint warning that Chinese intelligence services are aggressively using professional networking and recruitment platforms to target individuals with access to sensitive government, military and strategic information.
The unprecedented advisory was released jointly by agencies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Online recruitment used as espionage tool
According to the bulletin titled Safeguarding Our Secrets, Chinese military intelligence services are allegedly employing sophisticated online recruitment strategies to identify and approach individuals with access to classified or sensitive information.
The warning states that current and former government officials, military personnel, defence specialists, intelligence professionals, foreign affairs experts and individuals stationed in the Indo-Pacific region are among the primary targets.
Journalists, think tank researchers and people with indirect access to government information have also been identified as vulnerable groups.
Attractive offers used to gain trust
The agencies said recruits are often approached through seemingly legitimate consulting, research or advisory opportunities.
Individuals may initially be paid hundreds or thousands of dollars for reports or assessments, with larger payments offered in exchange for increasingly sensitive information.
According to the advisory, some recruits may not immediately realise that the ultimate beneficiaries of the information are linked to Chinese government entities.
Unprecedented joint warning
While individual countries have previously issued similar alerts, officials described this coordinated Five Eyes warning as a rare and significant move reflecting growing concerns about foreign intelligence activities conducted through digital platforms.
The alliance stressed that such operations are aimed at acquiring military, political and economic intelligence that could provide strategic advantages.
China rejects allegations
Beijing has repeatedly denied accusations of espionage and foreign interference.
Chinese authorities have dismissed similar claims in the past as baseless allegations and malicious attempts to damage China’s international reputation.
The warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of cyber security, intelligence gathering and foreign influence operations worldwide.