China Uncovers Chinese National Suspected of Spying for CIA

BEIJING - The Chinese government has announced the arrest and detention of a worker on a military-industrial project, identified only by the surname 'Zeng,' who is accused of communicating state secrets to the CIA. The Ministry of State Security released a statement on Friday, alleging that Zeng, 52, formed a working relationship with a US official while studying abroad in Italy for his employer. According to the ministry, Zeng gradually developed a psychological dependence on the US official, who took the opportunity to indoctrinate him with Western values.

The statement claims that Zeng, through his employment with the military, had access to sensitive military information. Upon his return to China after completing his studies, Zeng allegedly had multiple secret meetings with CIA agents and provided a significant amount of key intelligence in exchange for financial payouts. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) alleges that the US official also offered to help Zeng and his family emigrate to the United States.

China Central Television (CCTV) reported that Zeng, who worked for a military-industrial group, was recruited by a CIA agent based in Italy. The report states that the two developed a close relationship through various social activities and outings. It further claims that the CIA agent successfully influenced Zeng's political stance and convinced him to provide sensitive information about the Chinese military.

The specific details of when these events took place were not provided in the report. Zeng's gender was not specified, but it was mentioned that the person was born in 1971. The alleged CIA agent was named "Seth," according to CCTV. The US Embassy in Beijing has not yet responded to requests for comment.

This latest incident highlights the escalating battle for intelligence between the US and China. The relationship between the two countries has been strained in recent years, with accusations of espionage and cyberattacks being exchanged. China has declared itself under threat from spies and has recently expanded its anti-spying law, urging its citizens to participate in counter-espionage work.

Zeng has been found to have signed an espionage agreement with the US and received training before returning to China, CCTV reported. The report also mentions that coercive measures, likely referring to detention, have been taken against Zeng. The investigation into this espionage case is ongoing.