China's leading intelligence agency has reportedly deployed an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven system designed to track U.S. spies and other individuals. According to reports from The New York Times, this Chinese AI system has the capability to generate instant profiles on "persons of interest," enabling Chinese spies to identify targets and assess their networks and vulnerabilities.
Internal meeting memos cited in the report highlight that the Ministry of State Security (M.S.S.), China's primary intelligence agency, has expanded its capabilities through enhanced recruitment efforts, including the enlistment of American citizens. The agency's focus on advanced training, increased budget, and the utilization of cutting-edge technologies aligns with the broader goal set by Xi Jinping, China's leader, to position the nation as a global economic and military powerhouse rivaling the United States.
The M.S.S.'s use of AI represents a new dimension in intelligence gathering, challenging U.S. spymasters in ways not previously seen during the Cold War with the Soviets. The report suggests that China, in particular, has embraced the exploitation of existing technology and trade secrets as a shortcut, actively encouraged by the government.
Yun Sun, the director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based research institute, commented on China's strategy, stating that exploiting the technology and trade secrets of others has become a popular approach for the country.
In response to this evolving landscape, David Cohen, the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), noted that the agency, under President Joe Biden, is making investments and reorganizing to effectively address the challenge posed by Chinese advancements. Cohen emphasized the need for a shift in focus, recognizing the importance of understanding not only traditional military capabilities but also emerging technologies such as semiconductors, AI algorithms, and biotech equipment.
As part of its efforts to grasp the technologies China is targeting, the CIA has started seeking insights from American executives and scholars regarding the development goals of Chinese companies. This proactive approach reflects the agency's commitment to staying ahead in the intelligence game amidst the rapid evolution of technology and geopolitical dynamics.
(With Agency Inputs)
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