'They will try anything': China's expanding spy network across California

Key Points:

• Over the past 50 years, Chinese espionage in California has targeted aerospace, defense, technology firms, and political figures, including infiltrating companies like Boeing and Google and working within government circles such as Senator Dianne Feinstein’s staff.
• China views California as a strategic espionage hub due to its concentration of advanced technology industries, top universities, and a large Chinese-American population, facilitating easier integration of spies and agents of influence.
• Chinese espionage tactics include cyberattacks, cultivating relationships with tech executives and students, and using "honey pot" operations to exploit human vulnerabilities like sex and ambition to extract sensitive information.
• High-profile cases reveal the depth of infiltration, including former Congressman Eric Swalwell's interactions with a suspected spy, and long-term double agents like Katrina Leung, who compromised U.S. counterintelligence.
• Despite numerous convictions of Chinese spies, including engineers and military personnel, China continues to expand its espionage efforts using both professional agents and a broad network of amateurs, aiming to accelerate technological development and surpass U.S. leadership in key fields.