China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has launched a propaganda campaign to raise awareness about the threat of foreign espionage. In a video released on National Security Education Day, the MSS depicted a scenario where a spy infiltrates various sectors of society to gather sensitive state secrets.
The MSS, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, has significantly increased its public presence in recent years. Posters and slogans promoting national security can now be seen across Chinese cities, and the ministry actively engages with the public through social media.
The agency has highlighted the omnipresence of foreign spies, accusing them of infiltrating various aspects of Chinese life, from mapping apps to weather stations. The MSS has also publicized cases of espionage allegedly carried out by American and British intelligence agencies.
As part of its efforts to educate the public, the MSS has released promotional materials, including animations and comic strips, to illustrate the dangers of foreign infiltration. The agency's increased visibility is part of a broader strategy to enhance national security amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Experts suggest that the MSS's focus on external threats serves to deflect criticism of domestic policies and reinforce the narrative of 'foreign forces' posing a danger to China. The agency's expanded reach reflects the securitization of Chinese society under Xi's leadership.
Established in 1983, the MSS has traditionally operated discreetly, but recent initiatives, such as setting up a public hotline and launching social media accounts, signal a shift towards greater transparency. The agency's efforts to engage with the public aim to empower Chinese citizens to identify and counter espionage activities effectively.
China's comprehensive national security concept encompasses a wide range of threats, including economic espionage and cyber threats. The MSS's broad remit reflects Xi's emphasis on safeguarding national security across multiple domains, from politics and defense to cyberspace and artificial intelligence.
With China's counterespionage law expanded to cover a broader range of activities, concerns about cybersecurity and privacy have heightened. The MSS's proactive approach to combating foreign espionage underscores the government's commitment to protecting China's interests in an increasingly complex global landscape.
