Shannon Brandao
Shannon's excerpt from the article: "FT [excerpt]: The slick ad from #China’s feared #spy agency, the Ministry of State Security, opens with the shadow of an agent walking through a dark tunnel, a scene reminiscent of the cover of a John le Carré novel.
'Who am I?' asks a mysterious voice. 'I am this silhouette by your side . . . I face the ever-changing world and the surging tide of darkness.'
The dramatic ad, which references natural disasters, urban unrest and a pandemic, was released to mark National Police Day this month and is the latest sign of China’s premier intelligence agency emerging from the shadows to tout its role fighting “subversion, separatism, terrorism and espionage”..
...Analysts say the growing public profile of the MSS is part of President #XiJinping’s increasing focus on security, as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong seeks to tighten his hold on the country.
Aside from geopolitical tensions with the US and its allies, Xi’s China faces risks from slowing economic growth and an escalating #trade rivalry with the #EU. Within this fraught environment, analysts say, the MSS has enjoyed growing political stature and strength.
...The agency, which US counterparts say is responsible for counter-intelligence as well as political security for the Communist regime, has been accused of widespread espionage abroad, including recruiting a far-right Belgian politician as an asset to conduct influence operations in #Europe.
Inside China, the MSS has broken with its more low-profile past approach as Xi’s government has stepped up warnings to the public about the dangers of espionage.
In 2021, the agency released details of its recruiting process through the civil service exam and last year launched an official account on WeChat, the country’s most popular #socialmedia platform, where it has begun providing daily updates.
The posts range from recounting the story of the first death of a #CIA agent in the line of duty, who was killed in 1950 in #Tibet, to informing citizens about counter-espionage work against #Taiwan’s 'separatists'.
'In the past, we saw other things taking precedence over national security,' said Adam Ni, publisher of newsletter China Neican.
Ni said that during the 'reform and opening up' period that followed Mao Zedong’s rule, China’s emphasis was on economic growth and maintaining good relationships with trading partners. 'But now, increasingly we are seeing more focus and resources diverted to national security.'
He pointed to amendments to anti-espionage law that expanded China’s definition of spying, as well as new legislation on data and raids on foreign consultancies last year.
'The MSS has a bigger role . . . because of the shift to putting more focus on national security and the need to convince the public there is a genuine risk,' said Ni."
#news #geopolitics