An example of this newfound openness was the MSS's participation in a press briefing in Beijing, a rare occurrence that was widely covered by Chinese media.
Between the linesAccording to the MSS, foreign spies are omnipresent and infiltrating everything – from mapping apps to weather stations.
The MSS’ transformation is part of Xi’s sweeping pivot to ramp up national security in the face of heightened geopolitical tensions and mounting domestic challenges.
By stepping into the limelight, the MSS may be trying to foster a sense of nationalistic pride and duty among the Chinese public.
What nextChina's top spy agency, the Ministry of State Security ( MSS ), has recently intensified its public outreach to alert Chinese citizens to the pervasive threat of foreign espionage .
Under President Xi Jinping, who is known for his authoritarian governance style, the MSS has shifted from a traditionally secretive posture to a more visible and proactive entity.
Driving the news
As per a CNN report, a new three-minute video released by MSS aims to galvanize the Chinese public in the fight against foreign espionage, depicting each citizen as an essential part of the nation's security framework.
The video’s narrator powerfully emphasizes collective security, saying, “They can disguise as anyone. But among the crowds you and I together are protecting national security,” and adds, “We 1.4 billion people are 1.4 billion lines of defense.”
The video is part of a broader push by the MSS to mentally prepare the Chinese population to be alert to espionage. This approach not only seeks to inform but also to instill a sense of duty and vigilance among the populace.
Why it matters
This change in strategy could signal a new era for the MSS, reflecting China's more assertive stance on the global stage. A more visible intelligence agency aligns with China's efforts to assert its power internationally, which includes building a formidable military and expanding technological advancements.
The heightened focus on national security is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping 's strategy to emphasize external threats, which some analysts view as a tactic to deflect domestic criticism over his policies. This approach has included expanding the definition of espionage within China's counterespionage law, creating a more extensive scope that can affect ordinary business activities and increase surveillance within the country.
's strategy to emphasize external threats, which some analysts view as a tactic to deflect domestic criticism over his policies. This approach has included expanding the definition of espionage within China's counterespionage law, creating a more extensive scope that can affect ordinary business activities and increase surveillance within the country. By framing every citizen as a 'line of defense,' the MSS is fostering a nationalistic approach to security. This tactic could serve to strengthen government-public relations while also heightening the overall surveillance and reporting of suspicious activities by ordinary citizens.
Zoom in
Historically, the MSS has operated discreetly, avoiding public engagements and media exposure. However, recent appearances by MSS officials at public events and in state media are painting a different picture, suggesting a strategic shift towards transparency, or at least a controlled visibility.
An example of this newfound openness was the MSS's participation in a press briefing in Beijing, a rare occurrence that was widely covered by Chinese media. This event was aimed at promoting a counter-espionage law but also served as a platform for the agency to possibly reshape its public image, the CNN report said.
Between the lines
According to the MSS, foreign spies are omnipresent and infiltrating everything – from mapping apps to weather stations. The ministry has also posted details of what it claims are espionage activities carried out by American and British spy agencies, and detailed how Chinese nationals studying or working abroad have allegedly been recruited by the CIA.
As part of a documentary to mark National Security Education Day, the MSS revealed that a Chinese scientist convicted of selling state secrets to a foreign intelligence agency was executed in 2016. The documentary did not explicitly mention which country, but its images show an American flag and the US Capitol building, the CNN report said.
The MSS’ transformation is part of Xi’s sweeping pivot to ramp up national security in the face of heightened geopolitical tensions and mounting domestic challenges.
Analysts suggest that this move could be geared towards improving the MSS's domestic image, particularly amid growing concerns about foreign interference and espionage. By stepping into the limelight, the MSS may be trying to foster a sense of nationalistic pride and duty among the Chinese public.
What they are saying
According to intelligence experts, while the MSS's increased visibility might enhance public perception within China, it also raises questions about its operational tactics and objectives at a time when global tensions with China are escalating.
“An incredibly wide array of issues can be viewed as threats to national security,” Sheena Chestnut Greitens, director of the Asia Policy Program at the University of Texas at Austin, told CNN.
"MSS’ decision to establish a social media presence is an anomaly given its traditionally low profile," Greitens added.
What next
China's top spy agency, the Ministry of State Security ( MSS ), has recently intensified its public outreach to alert Chinese citizens to the pervasive threat of foreign espionage . This comes amid an increase in public activities, including the release of a dramatic video on National Security Education Day, illustrating the stealth and variety of tactics used by foreign spies, from disguises as street photographers to online traps.Observers will be watching closely to see whether this shift is purely cosmetic or if it heralds deeper changes in how the MSS operates both within China and on the international stage.(With inputs from agencies)
