The China Threat

China with Globe and Pinpoints (Stock Image)

The China Threat

The counterintelligence and economic espionage efforts emanating from the government of China and the Chinese Communist Party are a grave threat to the economic well-being and democratic values of the United States.

Confronting this threat is the FBI’s top counterintelligence priority.

To be clear, the adversary is not the Chinese people or people of Chinese descent or heritage. The threat comes from the programs and policies pursued by an authoritarian government.

The Chinese government is employing tactics that seek to influence lawmakers and public opinion to achieve policies that are more favorable to China.

At the same time, the Chinese government is seeking to become the world’s greatest superpower through predatory lending and business practices, systematic theft of intellectual property, and brazen cyber intrusions.

China’s efforts target businesses, academic institutions, researchers, lawmakers, and the general public and will require a whole-of-society response. The government and the private sector must commit to working together to better understand and counter the threat.

“The greatest long-term threat to our nation’s information and intellectual property, and to our economic vitality, is the counterintelligence and economic espionage threat from China.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray

Chinese Talent Plans

China oversees hundreds of talent plans. All are designed to steal foreign technologies needed to advance China’s national, military, and economic goals. Learn more about Chinese talent plans, how they work, and risks to U.S. businesses, universities, and laboratories—as well as to talent plan participants.

Clearance Holders Targeted on Social Media

China and other foreign governments are using professional networking social media sites to target people with U.S. government security clearances. Learn more about the threat through The Nevernight Connection—a film inspired by actual events—and think before you link.

In the News

Stories, speeches, testimony, and press releases highlight the threat China poses to our economic and national security.

The China Threat: Primers

These resources for businesses, universities, and research institutions provide an overview of the risks partners face from China and how they can protect themselves from threats.