The persistent threat of Chinese intelligence gathering poses an ongoing challenge for the United States and its allies, often operating beneath the public radar. Recently, the sentencing of US Navy sailor Wenheng Zhao served as a stark reminder of this danger. Zhao, convicted of conspiring with a foreign intelligence officer and accepting a bribe, was sentenced to twenty-seven months in prison. Alongside another indicted service member, Jinchao Wei, who faces charges related to espionage and export violations, the cases highlight the continuous tensions between the US and China.
In light of these developments, there’s a temptation for the US to hastily respond to Chinese espionage. However, abrupt changes may introduce new vulnerabilities. A more prudent approach involves a deliberate response to manage counterintelligence and security risks effectively over the long term.
The response should prioritize prevention through enhanced training, improved information-sharing with allies, and a shift to a holistic risk-based personnel security approach for all US military members. The focus on training aims to decrease the likelihood of future incidents, while collaboration with allies ensures a collective response to the shared threat. The shift to a more comprehensive security approach involves integrating counterintelligence with security considerations, optimizing risk management.
These espionage cases reveal that China recognizes the value of national security information, even if it isn’t classified. Zhao and Wei, holding secret-level security clearances without assignments to particularly sensitive roles, allegedly passed information to China. Wei, stationed on the USS Essex amphibious assault ship, provided photos and information about potential vulnerabilities. Zhao shared details about the electrical system for a radar facility in Okinawa, critical for expeditionary warfare.
China’s low-cost operations yielded a high return on investment, reinforcing the need for an adaptive response. Policymakers should consider three steps: enhancing training, mobilizing allies for information exchange, and establishing a holistic risk-based personnel security approach. By focusing on prevention, collaboration, and risk management, the US can effectively navigate the challenges posed by China’s intelligence activities.
