U.S. counterintelligence agency issues warning over China

The US National Counterintelligence and Security Center has issued a warning to state and local officials saying that China is stepping up influence operations with the aim of manipulating them into pressing the federal government to opt for more Beijing-friendly policies.

According to a bulletin sent to state and local officials, China "understands that U.S. state and local leaders enjoy a degree of independence from Washington and may seek to use them as proxies to advocate for national U.S. policies Beijing desires."

The bulletin warned that Beijing is using a variety of means to manipulate state and local officials: "PRC (Peoples Republic of China) influence operations can be deceptive and coercive, with seemingly benign business opportunities or people-to-people exchanges sometimes masking PRC political agendas."

According to the bulletin, Beijing's attempts include the use of front groups like the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, which cultivates "sister" relationships between Beijing and U.S. localities. The bulletin explained that another group, the National Association for China's Peaceful Reunification, promotes friendship between the two countries, but advocates Beijing's views on Taiwan in letters to members of Congress for example.

The warning came amid tensions between the US and China over a range of issues, including U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, China's human rights record, Beijing's military activities in the South China Sea and alleged espionage operations against the United States. The accusation was rejected by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, who said cooperation between the two countries is totally "above board".

At a press briefing in Beijing, the spokesperson said: "We Chinese have a saying: He who lost his axe suspects his neighbour for stealing it,"

"This describes the U.S. mentality, which is filled with Cold War mentality and ideological bias."

Biden's administration says it is is determined to avoid conflict and is seeking Beijing's adherence to international rules and institutions on peace and security.

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