The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) state security officials have publicized a case involving a former insider accused of attempting to defect to a foreign intelligence agency—an episode analysts say may reveal deeper tensions within the CCP system itself.
China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) said on March 10 in a post on its official WeChat account that it had recently uncovered a case involving a “former employee in an important position” who allegedly tried to establish contact with a foreign intelligence service before attempting to leave the country.
The MSS did not identify the country involved.
According to the statement, the man—identified only by the surname Li—studied clinical medicine in college and later worked at a facility responsible for providing medical care to retired senior CCP officials. The role allowed him to interact with former officials who had previously held positions involving state secrets, the ministry said….
China Publicizes Alleged Defection Plot Amid Intensifying US–China Intelligence Rivalry
