Chinese operatives are allegedly employing “sexual warfare” strategies to infiltrate American companies and steal trade and technological secrets, according to a report by The Times on October 22, citing unnamed sources. James Mulvenon, director of intelligence at Pamir Consulting, stated that he receives numerous false requests on LinkedIn from attractive young Chinese women, calling the trend “systematic.”
Cybersecurity experts highlight that China uses unconventional espionage methods, including cultivating long-term relationships with employees of technology firms. Some agents reportedly marry their targets and conduct covert operations for years, the report claims. Additionally, Chinese intelligence agencies are said to organize international startup competitions where participants submit business plans and intellectual property, offering cash prizes contingent on production being based in China. U.S. authorities have warned tech companies about the risks, with experts estimating annual economic losses from intellectual property theft at hundreds of billions of dollars.
The article also notes that Chinese agents frequently target startups backed by the U.S. Department of Defense, as foreign investments in these firms may restrict government access to emerging technologies. Meanwhile, The Times previously raised concerns about Russian women being used as potential spies, with reports suggesting some may voluntarily or coercively gather information through marriages with American scientists.
