Wang Shujun provided his written diary on democracy movements to the Chinese security bureau, considering it a “harmless trivial matter” and insisting that this behavior did not cause any harm. In response, Chen Chuangchuang, executive director of the New York Chinese Democratic Party National Committee, believes that Wang Shujun’s case is highly representative, and his conviction reflects the comprehensive determination of the U.S. government to combat Chinese Communist Party infiltration. He emphasized that the Chinese community should not harbor illusions about the infiltration actions of the CCP and offered suggestions on how to respond to Chinese intelligence activities.
Whether Wang Shujun caused harm is worth discussing. Chen Chuangchuang cited an example: In March 2016, before Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States, Wang Shujun inquired in advance about the protest plans of democracy activists and dissidents in the U.S. This is the most concerning issue for the CCP, and such intelligence activities are crucial for them.
Furthermore, evidence presented by the prosecution before the trial showed that the day before Wang Shujun was arrested, he mentioned in a WeChat chat with his daughter about editing and sending the news of Li Jinjin’s obituary to someone surnamed Ji in Qingdao, specifically instructing not to remove the signature information because it was necessary to know who signed it.
Moreover, Wang Shujun’s activities in Hong Kong also highlight the sophistication of Chinese intelligence work. Chen Chuangchuang said that Ho Chun-yan is a top opposition figure in Hong Kong, and the CCP even arranged for American informants to gather information on him. This demonstrates the depth and breadth of the CCP’s intelligence collection efforts, exceeding ordinary expectations. “We also know that there are many Chinese intelligence operatives in Hong Kong, but it’s different to send someone from the U.S. to ask about him.”
Chen Chuangchuang said that the CCP’s attention to democracy movement information indicates that they have devoted a lot of time and effort to intelligence collection, truly putting in the effort. “It is because they have such detailed information that the Communist Party can formulate those plans.”
He said that Wang’s cooperation in intelligence collection and transmission enables the CCP to more effectively counter U.S. democracy movements. On the other hand, Wang did not provide such convenience to the U.S. to understand the secret activities of the Chinese security.
Is it considered harm if someone is caught due to Wang Shujun’s intelligence activities? Chen Chuangchuang believes not, as the existence of intelligence activities itself is a threat. The value of intelligence is not limited to direct arrests but to provide convenience for opponents’ actions to be more easily foreseen and dealt with.
Chen Chuangchuang believes that Wang Shujun, who owns a house and a car in the U.S., did not collaborate with the CCP due to “poverty and ambition” but for minor gains and the convenience of returning to China.
As for the capability and performance as an agent, it is one thing, but whether this act was done or not is another matter. Chen Chuangchuang said that everyone must understand U.S. laws more, “the key to this case is whether you accepted instructions from the CCP, regardless of your motives. From another perspective, since your idea (defecting national security) is so good, why not report it to the U.S. government?”
He believes that the CCP only needs to provide some small favors and travel subsidies to motivate people like Wang Shujun to work for them. Many people like him seem to think it’s no big deal, but in reality, it is a betrayal. Of course, for individuals of special value to the CCP, the situation may be different, and the CCP does indeed invest a substantial amount of funding in some people.
Regarding how to deal with Chinese intelligence activities, Chen Chuangchuang has three suggestions. First, remain cautious with unfamiliar individuals and do not easily disclose information. Even if someone’s title seems impressive, long-term contact and trust-building are essential. Second, if you notice suspicious circumstances, report them promptly to the FBI without hesitation. Third, when facing inquiries from the Chinese consulate or CCP officials, “Forget your own business, don’t know about others’ business, and have no thoughts about family.”
Chen Chuangchuang believes that Wang Shujun’s case marks a strong retaliation by the U.S. government against CCP infiltration activities. He urges the Chinese community to remain vigilant and not harbor illusions about CCP infiltration actions. He believes that only by standing firm and clearly supporting one side can individuals better protect their interests and those of the community.
He said that Wang’s conviction can show individuals who lurk in democracy movements but provide information to the CCP the U.S. government’s complete determination to combat CCP infiltration. “By combining the cases of Wang, Xuyanjun, and Zhufeng who have already been convicted, one can see that the United States is counteracting various infiltration actions by the CCP in the U.S., such as probing military intelligence, pressuring Operation Fox targets, and gathering intelligence on democracy movements.”