China’s Covert Operations
In recent years, the world has become increasingly aware of the extent to which China has been conducting covert operations to gain an advantage in geopolitical power. From the infiltration of technology companies to the use of cyber-espionage, China has been able to gain a foothold in a number of countries and industries. This article will explore the methods China has used to gain access to sensitive information, as well as the implications of this activity.
Hacking and Espionage
China has a long history of using hacking and espionage to gain access to sensitive information. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice accused five members of the Chinese military of hacking into the computer systems of U.S. companies in order to steal trade secrets. Since then, there have been numerous reports of Chinese hackers infiltrating networks of companies, universities, and government agencies around the world.
Malware and Surveillance
In addition to hacking, China has used various forms of malware and surveillance to gain access to information. In 2016, researchers linked Chinese government-backed hackers to the spread of malicious software known as “Great Cannon.” This software was used to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against websites in other countries. China has also been accused of using surveillance technology, such as FinFisher, to monitor citizens in other countries.
Cyber-Espionage
China has also been accused of using cyber-espionage to gain access to sensitive information. In 2015, the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a report accusing China of engaging in cyber-espionage activities against the U.S. and its allies. This report detailed how China had infiltrated networks of companies and government agencies to steal data and intellectual property.
Technology Companies
In recent years, China has also been accused of infiltrating technology companies in order to gain access to sensitive information. In 2017, the U.S. government accused the Chinese government of using a number of techniques to gain access to the data of American companies. This included using venture capital investments to gain access to sensitive information and partnering with Chinese companies to gain access to technology.
Economic and Political Influence
By gaining access to sensitive information, China is able to gain economic and political influence. By knowing the inner workings of companies and governments, China is able to shape the policies of other countries and gain an advantage in global markets. This has resulted in China being able to gain access to resources and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
Implications
The implications of China’s covert operations are far-reaching. In addition to the economic and political implications, there are also security implications. By gaining access to sensitive information, China is able to gain a foothold in other countries and potentially influence their policies and decisions. This has resulted in increased tensions between China and other countries as they seek to protect their interests.
Countermeasures
In response to China’s covert operations, countries around the world have begun to take steps to protect their interests. This includes increasing cyber-security measures, implementing sanctions, and strengthening international agreements. These measures are designed to protect countries from the potential threats posed by China’s activities.
Conclusion
China’s covert operations have become increasingly apparent in recent years. From hacking and espionage to malware and surveillance, China has been able to gain access to sensitive information and gain a foothold in other countries. This has resulted in increased tensions between China and other countries, as well as the potential for economic and political influence. In order to protect their interests, countries around the world have begun to take steps to counter China’s activities.
