China a ‘ticking time bomb’ because of economic woes, Joe Biden warns
GuardianAug 07, 2023
The Facts
On Friday, China’s Ministry of State Security announced the arrest of a 52-year-old Chinese national named Zeng, who is accused of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) by allegedly providing sensitive military information in exchange for money and immigration to the US.
The Ministry of State Security claims Zeng — who reportedly worked for an unknown military industrial group — went to study in Italy and was befriended by a CIA agent stationed at the US embassy in Rome.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
This case is the latest example of how the US engages in more global surveillance and reconnaissance than any other country in the face of what it considers to be a long list of threats. But it’s the US’ spying that causes many crises across the globe. It’s vital for China and other countries to crack down on US espionage.
Anti-China narrative
Even if these vague allegations hold any weight, China itself isn't innocent when it comes to engaging in espionage, repeatedly targeting the US and anyone else it considers a threat to its hegemonic goals. Just earlier this month, the US arrested two sailors suspected of spying for China. If Beijing wants to see an end to all the spying, it must first recognize its hypocrisies.
