A new congressional investigation spotlights the escalating threat of Chinese espionage activities across American soil during the past four years.
According to Daily Wire, the House Committee on Homeland Security's recent "threat snapshot" has documented more than 60 reported incidents of Chinese-backed espionage operations spanning 20 states from January 2021 through February 2025.
The comprehensive report reveals a disturbing pattern of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) activities targeting various sectors, including military secrets, trade information, and transnational repression operations. Committee members expressed strong criticism of former President Joe Biden's approach to handling Chinese threats while showing optimism about the current Trump administration's stance on counteracting Beijing's influence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains an aggressive stance against Chinese espionage, initiating new cases to counter Chinese intelligence operations at frequent intervals. Statistical data from the report indicates that approximately 60% of all trade theft cases involve China, highlighting the magnitude of the threat.
Several states have emerged as primary targets for Chinese espionage activities, with California, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, and New York reporting numerous incidents. The spread of these operations has extended beyond major coastal regions, reaching inland states such as Tennessee and Alabama.
Recent cases demonstrate the diverse nature of Chinese espionage efforts, including the February 5 indictment of Chinese national Leon Ding for allegedly stealing over 1,000 unique files related to artificial intelligence from Google.
Committee Chair Mark E. Green (R-TN) emphasized the widespread nature of Chinese influence operations, stating:
The PRC has gained significant ground in its information warfare on American soil over the past four years. If you think the U.S. military and our government are the only targets of the Chinese Communist Party, think again. The shadow of Beijing's malign influence falls upon American businesses, university campuses, and the critical infrastructure we rely on — not to mention those on U.S. soil who dare to speak out against the CCP.
December 2024 marked two significant developments in countering Chinese influence. Chen Jinping pleaded guilty to operating an undeclared Chinese police station in Manhattan. Additionally, authorities arrested Yaoning Sun, who allegedly worked for Beijing while managing a California political campaign.
The committee acknowledged the commitment of current administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in addressing Chinese influence operations. Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger expressed confidence in the new administration's approach to confronting these challenges.
Representative Pfluger emphasized the urgency of addressing Chinese influence operations, stating:
The People's Republic of China is more than just a distant geopolitical adversary; the Chinese Communist Party is working to undermine U.S. sovereignty in our own backyards.
The House Committee on Homeland Security has revealed widespread Chinese espionage activities targeting U.S. institutions from 2021 to 2025, documenting over 60 cases across 20 states.
The report underscores the pressing need to counter the Chinese Communist Party's influence in areas ranging from national security to academia.
Under the current administration, officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have pledged to enhance measures against Chinese espionage, signaling a shift from the previous administration’s strategy in addressing these threats.
