Tensions between the United States and China are as thick as ever, and the recent arrest of a "spy" proves just how serious China's taking the situation.
According to the Washington Examiner, China announced this week that it arrested a 39-year-old "ministry official" who it accuses of selling off national secrets to the United States -- the CIA, specifically.
Notably, the reported arrest comes in the wake of CIA Director William Burns recently bragging that the intelligence agency had "made progress" in rebuilding its spy program inside China's borders.
The Examiner noted:
Monday's announcement from the Ministry of State Security claimed an official with the surname Hao had been recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency to become an American spy while studying in Japan.
Another CIA spy discovered in China
▪️Chinese authorities have opened an investigation against a government employee, identified only by the surname Hao, for alleged espionage for the American CIA, China's Ministry of State Security announced.
▪️It is said that the 39-year-old… pic.twitter.com/NiTyNtMLtr
— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) August 21, 2023
Chinese officials outlined in a statement how they believe the so-called spy was ultimately recruited.
Some of the communist nation's claims included that Hao was treated to "fancy meals" and paid to write a research paper, among other lucrative perks.
"After Hao returned to China, he tried to work in a ministry of our country according to the requirements of the CIA. He secretly met with CIA personnel many times in the country, provided information, and collected espionage funds," China's statement read.
It added, "After the national security agency discovered Hao's espionage activities through investigation, it launched a review in accordance with the law. The case is currently under investigation."
Just weeks ago, China issued a statement announcing a similar arrest, in that it claimed it arrested a Chinese national working on behalf of the CIA, who supposedly recruited the person in Italy.
The Examiner noted:
China announced its investigation into Zeng soon after two U.S. Navy soldiers were arrested and charged with providing sensitive military information to the Chinese, including details on wartime exercises.
There have been a number of incidents involving spies captured on both sides, and with growing tensions, those numbers will likely tick up.
Many have criticized President Joe Biden for not being as tough on China as his predecessor, with many suspecting the primary reason for that being his son Hunter Biden's close Chinese ties in the business world.
Only time will tell how bad it gets.
