Photo: Courtesy of China's Ministry of State Security

China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Friday disclosed a case involving overseas intelligence agencies attempting to recruit Chinese youths, and the authorities reminded the public to be vigilant of individuals who may be disguised as “kind-hearted” persons around teenagers.

These individuals from overseas intelligence agencies often disguise themselves as "enthusiastic,” or "considerate” around teenagers, subtly influencing teenager targets, attempting to achieve their own purposes and steal state secrets, endangering national security, said the MSS.

In the case disclosed by the MSS, Xiaowei was an orphan from the mountains in the south of China, who performed well in both academics and character. “Teacher L” appeared after Xiaowei achieved the highest score in the county and entered the best high school in the area, offering to sponsor him.

The so-called teacher promised to provide Xiaowei with financial support until he graduates from university. 

Despite moving abroad, the so-called teacher would occasionally call Xiaowei and ask him to take part in the public servant exams and assign him tasks such as field surveys and social information gathering for extra pay. Xiaowei saw it as an opportunity to earn money while studying and continued to complete the tasks as requested, according to the ministry.

After graduating from university, Xiaowei passed the public servant exams and got his job. He shared the good news with “Teacher L,” who started asking for sensitive information under the guise of research and report writing. 

Xiaowei initially provided some public data out of gratitude. But “Teacher L” requested more sensitive information, including classified documents, Xiaowei became suspicious and refused the request. Eventually Xiaowei decided to report “Teacher L” to the national security authorities.

After investigation, "Teacher L" was found to be an overseas spy who targeted talented individuals from poor backgrounds like Xiaowei, encouraging them to pursue careers in government agencies, research institutes, or the military to gather sensitive information and engage in espionage activities detrimental to national security, according to the ministry.

China’s Counter-Espionage Law stipulates that all citizens and organizations discovering acts of espionage shall promptly report them to the state security organs. 

Global Times