Fact Check: "The Chinese government has engaged in espionage against the United States."
What We Know
Recent reports and investigations have confirmed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been involved in numerous espionage activities on U.S. soil. According to a report by the House Committee on Homeland Security released in February 2025, there have been over 60 documented cases of espionage by the CCP in the United States since 2021. These activities include the transmission of sensitive military information, theft of trade secrets, and operations aimed at repressing dissent among Chinese nationals in the U.S.
The FBI has also reported that approximately 80% of economic espionage prosecutions involve actions that would benefit China, indicating a significant nexus between espionage activities and the Chinese government (FBI). Furthermore, a recent case involved two Chinese nationals charged with acting as agents of the Chinese government, overseeing clandestine intelligence operations in the U.S., including efforts to recruit U.S. military personnel (Justice Department).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim of Chinese espionage against the United States is substantial and comes from credible sources, including government reports and law enforcement agencies. The China Threat Snapshot outlines specific cases and provides a comprehensive overview of the CCP's activities, highlighting the systematic nature of these operations. The report's credibility is bolstered by its publication by a congressional committee, which typically undergoes rigorous fact-checking and scrutiny.
Moreover, the FBI's acknowledgment of the threat posed by Chinese espionage, as detailed in their counterintelligence report, adds another layer of reliability to the claim. The FBI is a respected federal agency with a mandate to protect national security, making its assessments particularly significant.
The recent arrests of Chinese nationals for espionage activities further validate the ongoing threat. The Justice Department's announcement of charges against individuals acting on behalf of the Chinese government illustrates the active measures being taken to counter these espionage efforts. The statements from officials, including the Attorney General and FBI Director, emphasize the seriousness of the threat and the government's commitment to addressing it.
While some may argue that the framing of these reports could be influenced by political agendas, the consistency of the findings across multiple credible sources suggests a genuine concern regarding Chinese espionage activities.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Chinese government has engaged in espionage against the United States" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, including government reports and law enforcement announcements, clearly demonstrates that the CCP has been involved in extensive espionage operations on U.S. soil, targeting sensitive information and attempting to undermine U.S. national security.
