In recent days, the Chinese Communist Party’s Public Security Bureau and Confidentiality Bureau have been actively publishing articles on so-called classified and espionage cases, presenting examples of “spies”. Analysts believe that these hidden stability maintenance agencies of the CCP are gradually stepping into the spotlight, no longer disguising their evil nature, and these departments also face issues of power struggles and seeking profits.
The Chinese Communist Party’s Confidentiality Bureau (referred to as the Confidentiality Bureau) published an article on its WeChat official account on November 11 discussing the “infiltration by spies and intelligence theft by foreign forces”, claiming that in recent years, foreign spies have been increasingly engaging in subversive activities targeting university students. The article cited an old case from 2005, in which a doctoral student provided 7 classified topographic maps of China to foreign spies, earning 40,000 RMB and receiving a 15-year prison sentence.
The Confidentiality Bureau of the CCP has recently come out of the shadows. On October 10, the Bureau for the first time published an article on its WeChat official account, stating that sensitive content from “reference documents” was included in news reports by the media, leaking CCP secrets.
The office of the Central Confidentiality Committee of the CCP (referred to as the Central Confidentiality Office) and the Confidentiality Bureau are two names for one institution, currently managed by the CCP Central Office. The current director of the Central Confidentiality Office and the director of the Confidentiality Bureau is Li Zhaozong.
Since Chen Yixin took over as the head of the CCP’s National Security Department in October 2022, the previously low-profile National Security Department has become more outspoken, frequently discussing “national security issues” in various fields such as diplomacy and economy.
On November 10 of this year, the Chinese Communist Party’s National Security Department published an article on its WeChat official account, stating that an employee of a state-owned enterprise was arrested for visiting foreign websites for a long time, watching so-called “political rumor” videos, and downloading and spreading them. The article also criticized internet users for “illegally” using “wall-climbing” software to visit foreign websites, claiming that it “affects national security and social stability”.
On November 9, the CCP’s National Security Department issued a notification stating that a retired employee of a classified unit leaked confidential information and was sentenced to imprisonment on espionage charges.
Current affairs commentator Li Linyi told Dajiyuan that the CCP’s Confidentiality Bureau and National Security Department, which used to operate behind the scenes as stability maintenance agencies, are now gradually moving to the forefront, indicating that the CCP is no longer hiding its evil nature. On the other hand, both departments speaking out on classified and national security matters gives the impression of power struggles and seeking profits.
It is worth noting that the CCP’s Confidentiality Bureau published an article on November 11 discussing the so-called “doctoral student providing classified topographic maps to foreign spies”, without mentioning “national security”; whereas the National Security Department frequently mentioned “classified units”, “failure to keep classified information secure, leading to loss of control”, and “confidentiality responsibility”.
Li Linyi stated that the CCP’s National Security Department’s high-profile intervention in the field of confidentiality may have crossed a line, which could lead to dissatisfaction within the Confidentiality Bureau. The cases reported by the Confidentiality Bureau involve espionage but deliberately avoid mentioning “national security” issues.
Yao Yuan, a professor of international studies at the University of St. Thomas in the United States, told Dajiyuan that there are different factions within the CCP’s system, and some ideas may not align with the top leadership of the CCP. By presenting these cases, the CCP seems to be intentionally targeting internal purges and serving as a warning.
Yao Yuan believes that the CCP maintains its rule through violence, lies, and economic incentives, and even security and confidentiality personnel may not be so loyal to Xi Jinping and the Communist Party, and could defect at any time.
Former CCP special agent Eric believes that the current emphasis on espionage issues by the CCP, similar to the mandatory use of domestically-produced chips, is part of the same logic of proactively tightening management in all aspects, possibly as a psychological preparation for war.
Independent commentator Cai Shunkun told Dajiyuan that the current Minister of the National Security Department, Chen Yixin, has a close relationship with Xi Jinping. At 66 years old, he is eager for performance, seeking credit and promotion to deputy national level. Chen Yixin’s influence within the National Security Department is expanding, leading to conflicts with the Public Security Ministry controlled by Wang Xiaohong, causing discontent within the National Security Department towards Chen Yixin’s actions.
Cai Shunkun stated that the CCP frequently presents cases to create an atmosphere as if there are enemies everywhere, actually aiming to further strengthen social control and shape public opinion for Xi Jinping. Inside and outside the CCP system has turned into a large prison. China’s economy is getting worse, but no one within the system dares to speak up. “Everyone is clear that this is a ship in danger, ready to capsize at any time, and the captain is unreliable. Everyone has to watch his mood. Clearly knowing the danger, you can’t say a word and can only watch him steer the ship towards a disaster.”