In recent years, the Chinese state security apparatus has been unusually active, claiming that foreign spy intelligence agencies are stealing information and manipulating public opinion through social media comment sections. Some analysts believe this is propaganda by the state security apparatus, using it as an excuse to tighten control over the internet and suppress freedom of speech.
The Chinese Ministry of State Security published an article on its public account on December 23, alleging that foreign spy agencies are using fake identities to gather sensitive information in areas such as politics and technology through comment sections. The article called for “especially those in sensitive positions not to post any sensitive information in the comment sections and not to disclose any information related to sensitive units, personnel, or state secrets.”
The Ministry of State Security also instructed the public not to spread unverified information, not to participate in so-called “rumor-mongering,” and to report any suspicious leads to the authorities.
In recent years, the Chinese authorities have been increasing their control over the internet, frequently cracking down on “harmful information,” regulating “sensitive speech,” shutting down unauthorized self-media accounts, often citing “national security” as the reason.
According to Radio Free Asia on December 24, commentators believe that the Chinese Ministry of State Security’s description of “foreign spies” is more like an excuse for the authorities to strengthen their control over public opinion. Commentator Mr. Wang stated that the Chinese government’s anti-spy rhetoric is aimed at making the public adhere to the official ideology, following wherever the government leads: “You cannot have any thoughts or opinions of your own. Whatever they say, you cannot question or think about; you must obediently comply and obey. If you react, like many people now, they are either sent to mental hospitals or imprisoned.”
Mr. Wang explained that the so-called anti-spy campaign is actually a form of brainwashing, with the authorities attempting to use this propaganda to enhance their comprehensive control over the online space, while attributing any potential dissenting voices to “foreign forces.”
Former police officer Guo Min from the Public Security Bureau in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, also stated in an interview that the Chinese Communist Party’s emphasis on combating spies is a measure taken within the broader context, using the guise of national security to silence ordinary people.
The current Minister of State Security, Chen Yixin, is considered a close confidant of CCP leader Xi Jinping. When he served as the Secretary-General of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission in March 2018, he called for the integration of various groups to enhance the ability to guide public opinion in online struggles. After Chen Yixin took control of the Ministry of State Security, the department opened its official WeChat account in the summer of 2023. Subsequently, it frequently published views on security threats related to China’s economy, foreign policy, and even culture, with a focus on the United States.
An insider within the public security system, using the pseudonym An Ming, previously revealed to a media outlet that there is significant discontent within the Ministry of State Security towards Chen Yixin. “Initially, the state security department was a relatively quiet entity. However, after Chen Yixin assumed power, he began every effort to seize power, cracking down on spies and agents internally, enacting the ‘Anti-Spy Law,’ and meddling in finance and economics. The lower-level staff were overwhelmed, and everything ended up in a mess, with no benefits gained.”