Dual defence betrayal: China reveals rare case of executive spying for 2 countries

China disclosed a rare case on Monday where a military trading company executive, identified as Zhang, was arrested for leaking defense intelligence to two foreign countries, Beijing's top spy and anti-espionage agency reported. The Ministry of State Security frequently publicizes espionage incidents to raise awareness, but such cases involving a Chinese citizen simultaneously recruited by multiple foreign intelligence agencies are rare.

Zhang, who excelled in multiple foreign languages after studying abroad, was approached by a diplomat named Lucas from Country A, who complimented him on his language skills and expertise. Over time, Zhang provided sensitive data on China's military imports and the division of labor among arms-trading firms, despite realizing Lucas might be an intelligence officer.

Simultaneously, Zhang was targeted by agents from Country B, who met him through an embassy official named Mike at an overseas business trip. Mike introduced Zhang to his assistant Sarah, who, posing as an intelligence agent, persuaded Zhang to provide confidential documents about Chinese weaponry. Zhang confessed to all charges during questioning, and his case is now under further investigation.

The ministry emphasized the case as a warning of how foreign intelligence agencies exploit personal relationships and financial incentives to recruit Chinese nationals in various sectors, urging citizens to be vigilant against seemingly harmless intelligence traps.