US EditionCIA Releases Video to Recruit Chinese Military Informants
The CIA's latest Mandarin video targets disaffected Chinese military officers amid leadership purges, aiming to rebuild its human intelligence network inside China, agency officials said.
- On Feb 12, 2026, the CIA released a Mandarin-language recruitment video depicting a PLA officer, posted on YouTube to reach China’s Great Firewall, according to the agency.
- Amid recent PLA shakeups, the video appears timed to exploit leadership turmoil, including the removal of several senior officers in recent months and the January investigation of Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission.
- The film dramatizes a disillusioned mid-level People's Liberation Army officer who watches political loyalists replace qualified officers, warns `Anyone with leadership qualities is bound to be subject to suspicion and ruthlessly eliminated`, and ends with operational security guidance plus Mandarin-language instructions on contacting the CIA securely.
- The CIA said its past videos reached millions and inspired new sources, and officials report rising volunteer submissions via their website and the dark web, with Ratcliffe vowing continued outreach.
- As U.S.-China tensions deepen, the approach signals a shift in intelligence tradecraft as U.S. intelligence leaders view China as the foremost strategic challenge and use cinematic videos amid years-long crackdown on military corruption.
85 Articles
85 Articles
Hong Kong Free Press
The Frontier PostBeijing vows ‘measures’ after CIA Chinese-language recruitment ad
Beijing will take “all necessary measures” against foreign espionage activities, the foreign ministry said Friday, after the US spy agency issued a recruitment video targeting Chinese military personnel. The CIA recruitment ad. Photo: YouTube screenshot/CIA. The CIA’s Chinese-language video, published on the agency’s YouTube channel on Thursday, appears to target disaffected officers and appeals for information on China’s leaders and armed force…
New episode of the shadow war between Washington and Beijing. After the CIA released a video to recruit sources in China, the Chinese authorities promise a firm response against any foreign spying activity.
China vows to take 'measures' against spying after CIA recruitment video
The CIA released a Chinese-language recruitment video targeting disaffected Chinese military officers, showing a fictional officer deciding to contact the agency to expose leadership lies. The clip encourages leaks on China’s leaders and military. Beijing reacted angrily, warning it will take all necessary measures to counter foreign espionage.
The U.S. intelligence agency broadcast a video in Mandarin to recruit officers from its army. One sees an imaginary officer, who decides to contact the CIA. China immediately indicated that it would take "all necessary measures" against foreign spying attempts. - "Do you have information about Chinese leaders?": the CIA video to recruit spies in Beijing (International).
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
